Instantly I recognised him. It was the murderer!
What fresh intrigue was this?
I leapt from my chair, and leaning over the dock, cried:
“My lord, that man who is going to give evidence, is—”
“Enough?” interposed the judge. “If you cannot be silent, you will be removed to the cells during the remainder of your trial.”
The warder at my side grasped me roughly by the arm, and forcing me into my chair, whispered, “Don’t be a fool! Such excitement can do you no good.”
I saw how utterly helpless I was, yet I was determined to denounce this man by some means. The midnight scene in the Dene came back to me in all its hideous reality. Vera’s lips defiled by those of a murderer!
The thought goaded me to desperation. Springing to my feet again I was on the point of proclaiming his guilt, when the first question was put by my counsel.
“Now, Mr Seroff, what are you?”
With bated breath I awaited his answer.