tnesses, of
coincidences which no theory of accident can explain, can we stifle
convictions, solely because she pleads 'not guilty'? Pertinent, indeed,
was the ringing cry of that ancient prosecutor: 'Most illustrious
Caesar! if denial of guilt be sufficient defence, who would ever be
convicted?' You have been assured that inferences drawn from probable
facts eclipse the stupendous falsehood of Ananias and Sapphira! Then
the same family strain inevitably crops out, in the loosely-woven web
of defensive presumptive evidence--whose pedigree we trace to the same
parentage. God forbid that I should commit the sacrilege of arrogating
His divine attribute--infallibility--for any human authority, however
exalted; or claim it for any amount of proof, presumptive or positive.
'It is because humanity even when most cautious and discriminating is
so mournfully fallible and prone to error, that in judging its own
frailty, we require the aid and reverently invoke the guidance of
Jehovah.' In your solemn deliberations bear in mind this epitome of an
opinion, entitled to more than a passing consideration: 'Perhaps strong
circumstantial evidence in cases of crime, committed for the most part
in secret, is the most satisfactory of any from whence to draw the
conclusion of guilt; for men may be seduced to perjury, by many base
motives; but it can scarcely happen that many circumstances, especially
if they be such over which the accuser could have no control, forming
altogether the links of a transaction, should all unfortunately concur
to fix the presumption of guilt on an individual, and yet such a
conclusion be erroneous.'

"Gentlemen of the jury: the prosecution believes that the overwhelming
mass of evidence laid before you proves, beyond a reasonable doubt,
that the prisoner did premeditatedly murder and rob Robert Luke
Darrington; and in the name of justice, we demand that you vindicate
the majesty of outraged law, by rendering a verdict of 'guilty'. All
the evidence in this case points the finger of doom at the prisoner, as
to the time, the place, the opportunity, the means, the conduct and the
motive. Suffer not sympathy for youthful womanhood and wonderful
beauty, to make you recreant to the obligations of your oath, to decide
this issue of life or death, strictly in accordance with the proofs
presented; and bitterly painful as is your impending duty, do not allow
the wail of pity to drown the demands of justice, or the voice of