"Charles, why say you that?"
"Had not Cora Waters forgotten me, surely she would have visited me while sick and in prison."
"They have just heard of it," she answered.
"Just heard of it!" he repeated, amazed. "I have lain here pining in this dungeon for three long weeks, and you tell me they have but just heard of it."
"I am assured they have."
"Mother, that seems impossible. Why, I thought all the world knew it."
"But few know of it, my son. It seems to be the scheme of the prosecution to keep the matter secret. You have not written. You have sent no message?"
"No, mother."
"Then, pray, how could they learn of it save by the merest accident? A passing stranger bore the news."
Charles Stevens heaved a sigh.