"Officer, what is the trouble outside?" demanded the bench.
The two doorkeepers with great hands were pressing back a threatened irruption from the corridor. One spoke over his shoulder.
"If you please, sir, there's a young woman here says she has evidence to give in this case."
CHAPTER XL.
AN UNEXPECTED WITNESS.
Those in the court-room jumped up and looked toward the door, and the confusion was redoubled. Several policemen hurried to the assistance of the doorkeepers. The judge rapped in vain.
Finally one of the doorkeepers made his voice heard above the scuffling:
"She says her name is Colina Gaviller."
A profound sensation was created within the court. The confusion was stilled as by magic. All those inside turned back to look at the young prisoner.
He had leaped to his feet, and stood gazing toward the door with a wild, white, awakened face. Denholm had a restraining hand on his shoulder. John Gaviller, Gordon Strange, Inspector Egerton; there was no man connected with the case but betrayed something of the same agitation.