"I shall be brief," answered Mrs. Challoner, sending an accusing glance toward the prosecutor. "I desire to make a charge against Mr. Murgatroyd, the prosecutor of the pleas!" She was well contained, but her tone was harsh, cutting.
The Court glanced sympathetically at her, and then smiled gently, indulgently in the direction of the prosecutor.
"I accuse him of bribery!" she went on. "He promised to set my husband free!"
Shirley Bloodgood clutched her once more, pleading with her to stop.
"Miriam, what are you saying? You must stop this...."
"Bribery?" asked the justice, somewhat startled. "Bribery?"
For an instant there was a subdued uproar. Graham Thorne pressed forward toward the Court; Broderick from the crowd behind pushed his way into the enclosure; reporters thrust their pads and pencils into the scene; spectators stirred, became noisy; but Murgatroyd never moved.
"Let Mrs. Challoner go on," demanded Thorne.
The Court rapped loudly with his gavel; the crowd slumped into silence.
"Clear this court-room!" ordered the justice, standing up until his command was obeyed.