"You believe there's something in what I told you?" and her voice was almost hoarse with eagerness.
"There may be something in it," was his reply. "If—if——"
"What?" asked Mary.
"Paul's fate will be decided to-day," replied the judge, and his voice trembled. "Bakewell finished last night—of course, you have read the newspapers?—and this morning Paul will speak in his own defence. Perhaps that will take nearly the whole morning. Then Branscombe will sum up."
"And you believe——?" cried the girl.
"From what I can see of Branscombe's questions, I should say it is his opinion that Paul is guilty."
"But it will depend upon the jury!" cried the girl.
"Juries are influenced by the judge's summing-up."
"Oh, if—if——!" cried Mary.
"Yes, I see what is in your mind; but nothing can happen in time to influence the finding of the jury. You must not build upon that. But all hope is not lost yet, Mary. We will not give up until the last moment."