earsay or theory, but of fact. You will be shown by direct
testimony which cannot be shaken just how it was done. If, after you
have heard all this, you still think this man is innocent--that he did
not commit the crimes with which he is charged--it is your business to
acquit him. On the other hand, if you think the witnesses whom we shall
put on the stand are telling the truth, then it is your business to
convict him, to find a verdict for the people as against the defendant.
I thank you for your attention."

The jurors stirred comfortably and took positions of ease, in which they
thought they were to rest for the time; but their idle comfort was of
short duration for Shannon now called out the name of George W. Stener,
who came hurrying forward very pale, very flaccid, very tired-looking.
His eyes, as he took his seat in the witness-chair, laying his hand on
the Bible and swearing to tell the truth, roved in a restless, nervous
manner.

His voice was a little weak as he started to give his testimony. He told
first how he had met Cowperwood in the early months of 1866--he could
not remember the exact day; it was during his first term as city
treasurer--he had been elected to the office in the fall of 1864. He had
been troubled about the condition of city loan, which was below par,
and which could not be sold by the city legally at anything but par.
Cowperwood had been recommended to him by some one--Mr. Strobik,
he believed, though he couldn't be sure. It was the custom of city
treasurers to employ brokers, or a broker, in a crisis of this kind,
and he was merely following what had been the custom. He went on to
describe, under steady promptings and questions from the incisive mind
of Shannon, just what the nature of this first conversation was--he
remembered it fairly well; how Mr. Cowperwood had said he thought he
could do what was wanted; how he had gone away and drawn up a plan or
thought one out; and how he had returned and laid it before Stener.
Under Shannon's skillful guidance Stener elucidated just what this
scheme was--which wasn't exactly so flattering to the honesty of men in
general as it was a testimonial to their subtlety and skill.

After much discussion of Stener's and Cowperwood's relations the
story finally got down to the preceding October, when by reason
of companionship, long business understanding, mutually prosperous
relationship, etc., the place bad been reached where, it was explained,
Cowp