“‘Doctor Demar,’ said the sheriff as he came out, ‘I will place my fair prisoner in your custody and request you to escort her to the court-house in the carriage, and I will walk.’
“‘Why not ride in the carriage with us?’
“‘I have too much respect for Miss Bramlett’s feelings to do anything that would look like guarding a prisoner.’
“I seized the hand of the generous-hearted officer and thanked him for his kindness, promising to take the ladies as he requested, and he hurried away.
“When the carriage halted in front of the court-house, an immense crowd of curious idlers began to collect near the door, eager to get a look at the beautiful murderess (as they were pleased to designate Miss Bramlett), and it required the services of a couple of policemen to clear a road through the dense mass of humanity for the ladies to enter the door.
“Judge Flipout, who sat on the judicial bench reading the morning paper, laid it down and gazed intently at the fair prisoner for a moment, then descended, and taking Miss Bramlett’s hand, inquired about her health. After a few minutes’ conversation with her, he turned round and addressed Lottie:
“‘Miss Wallingford, have you concluded to deliver a speech in defense of your pretty client?’
“‘No, I have not, but if I were to make a speech, you would hear new ideas expressed, such as would not be complimentary to courts, lawyers and judges. I used to be simple enough to think that courts were the very fountains of justice, where the weak and helpless could procure redress for wrongs inflicted on them by the strong and powerful, but the scales of ignorance have lately been removed from my eyes.’
“‘Indeed! I am very sorry to learn that you have such an unfavorable opinion of us, but I trust you will alter it when you know more about us.’
“‘I am sure I should be delighted to see something that might be considered an improvement on the farce I witnessed here the other day.’