uldering flame at his heart than the glittering ice crown of
Eiriksjokull betrays the fierce lava tides beating beneath its frozen
crust.

"At 10 o'clock on the same night, I saw the prisoner on the road
leading from town to 'Elm Bluff', and not farther than half a mile from
the cedar bridge spanning the 'branch', at the foot of the hill where
the iron gate stands."

"She was then going in the direction of 'Elm Bluff?'"

"She was sitting on the ground, with her head leaning against a pine
tree, but she rose as I approached."

"As it was at night, is there a possibility of your having mistaken
some one else for the prisoner?"

"None whatever. She wore no hat, and the moon shone full on her face."

"Did you not question her about her presence there, at such an hour?"

"I asked: 'Madam, you seem a stranger; have you lost your way?' She
answered, 'No, sir.' I added: 'Pardon me, but having seen you at "Elm
Bluff" this afternoon, I thought it possible you had missed the road.'
She made no reply, and I rode on to town."

"She betrayed so much trepidation and embarrassment, that your
suspicion was at once aroused?"

"She evinced neither trepidation nor embarrassment. Her manner was
haughty and repellent, as though designed to rebuke impertinence. Next
morning, when informed of the peculiar circumstances attending Gen'l
Darrington's death, I felt it incumbent upon me to communicate to the
magistrate the facts which I have just narrated."

"An overwhelming conviction of the prisoner's guilt impelled you to
demand her arrest?"

"Overwhelming conviction rarely results from merely circumstantial
evidence, but a combination of accusing circumstances certainly pointed
to the prisoner; and following their guidance, I am responsible for her
arrest and detention for trial. To the scrutiny of the Court I have
submitted every fact that influenced my action, and the estimate of
their value decided by the jurymen, must either confirm the cogency of
my reasoning, or condemn my rash fallibility. Having under oath
conscientiously given all the evidence in my possession, that the
prosecution would accept or desire, I now respectfully request, that
unless the prisoner chooses to exercise her right of cross-examination,
my colleagues of the prosecution, and his Honor, will grant me a final
discharge as witness."

Turning toward Beryl, Judge Parkman said:

"It is my duty again to remind you, that the cross-examination of
witnesses