entered upon, a singular difficulty presented
itself. Not any of the witnesses of the events of the 10th of
November, would make a deposition against Sam. The presiding judge
threatened them with his discretionary power in vain. Sam then
commanded them to give evidence. All their tongues were loosed. They
related what they had seen.

Sam Needy listened with profound attention. When one of them, out of
forgetfulness, or affection for him, omitted some of the circumstances
chargeable upon the accused, Sam supplied them. By this means the
chain of facts which has been related was unfolded before the court.

There was one moment when some of the females present wept. The clerk
of the court summoned the convict, Heartall. It was his turn to come
forward. He entered, staggering with emotion--he wept. The police
could not prevent his falling into the arms of Sam. Sam raised him,
and said with a smile to the attorney-general, "Here is a villain who
shares his bread with those who are hungry." Then he kissed Heartall's
hand.

The list of witnesses having been gone through, the attorney-general
rose and spoke in these words: "Gentlemen of the jury, society would
be shaken to its foundation if public vengeance did not overtake such
great criminals as this man, who, etc., etc."

After this memorable discourse, Sam's advocate spoke. The pleader
against, and the pleader for, made each in due order, the evolutions
which they are accustomed to make in the arena which is called a
criminal court.

Sam did not think that all was said that might be said. He arose in
his turn. He spoke in a manner which must have amazed all the
intelligent persons present on the occasion. It appeared as if there
were more of the orator than the murderer in this poor artisan. He
spoke in an upright attitude, with a penetrating and well-managed
voice; with an open, sincere, and steadfast gaze, with a gesture
almost always the same, but full of command. There were moments in
which his genuine, lofty eloquence stirred the crowd to a murmur,
during which Sam took breath, casting a bold gaze upon the bystanders.
Then again, this man, who could not read, was as gentle, polished,
select in his language, as a well-informed person--at other moments
modest, measured, attentive, going step by step over the irritating
parts of the argument, courteous to his judges. Once only he gave way
to a burst of passion. The attorney-general had proved in his speech
that Sa