And the eager crowd surged forward for a nearer view of Leslie Dane's face.
Colonel Carlyle was there, sitting with Mrs. Arnold and Felise Herbert. There was an ill-concealed expression of relief and satisfaction upon the faces of the three. They had pursued an innocent man to the death, but no twinge of remorse stirred their hard hearts as he rose in his seat, pale, proud and handsome, towering above the crowd in his kingly hight and stateliness, and confronted the judge.
"I have nothing to say, your honor, except that I am not guilty!"
A low murmur of approbation from some, and of dissent from others instantly arose, and was immediately hushed by the crier of the court.
At that moment, when the judge rose to the performance of his duty, a messenger brought a tiny slip of paper and placed it in the hands of Leslie Dane's lawyer. As he read it his gloomy face brightened marvelously. He rose in his seat flushed and radiant.
"May it please your honor to suspend the sentence of the court. There is a new and important witness."
The next moment a graceful, veiled figure, clad in heavy, soundless black silk, glided into the witness-box.
She was sworn, and lifted her veil to kiss the book. A perfectly beautiful face, blanched to the pallor of marble, was revealed by the action. A murmur of admiration arose from the spectators, blent with subdued exclamations of horror from three who were nearly stricken lifeless by her unexpected advent.
"Silence in the court!" thundered the crier.
The examination of the witness began.