"Yes. And now I'm a Judge and in ordinary course it is my duty to try her."
There was another period of silence, broken only by the rapid puffing of the Governor's pipe.
"But that's not all, Sir. Being in this frightful position everything is tempting me to corrupt Justice. First, my natural desire to influence the trial in favour of the girl—perhaps to get her off altogether. Next, pity for her poor mother who has been pleading for mercy. Then, friendship for Gell who has been begging me to try the case because the old Statute is severe and my colleague cruel. And last of all the step-father of the girl who has been trying to intimidate me."
"Well?"
"I think you will see it is impossible for me to sit on a case in which my private interest and my public duty conflict—utterly impossible. It would be against all usage, all justice."
The Governor removed his pipe. His face had become cold and hard. "You speak of your colleague—have you done anything with him?"
"Yes. I've asked him to sit instead of me."
"What if he cannot?"
"Then I will ask you, Sir, to send for another Judge from across the water."
Stowell had struggled through to the end, although perspiration had been breaking out on his forehead. When he had finished the Governor sat for some time without speaking.