know it? Because of the little break in the straw, on the edge
of the brim. But any man's hat might have such a break. What was there
about this particular break to make it the hat of Peter Junior?
Because she had made it herself. She had knocked it down one day when
she was brushing up in the front hall, and when she hung it up again,
she had seen the break, and knew she had done it.

And thus, in the careful scrutiny of small things, relating to the
habits, life, and manner of dressing of the two young men,--matters
about which nobody raised any question, and in which no one except the
examiner took any interest,--more days crept by, until, at last, the
main witnesses for the State were reached.

[1] The question raised by the prisoner's counsel was ruled in favor
of his contention in Biemel v. State. 71 Wis. 444, decided in
1888.

CHAPTER XXXVI

NELS NELSON'S TESTIMONY

The day was very warm, and the jury sat without their coats. The
audience, who had had time to debate and argue the question over and
over, were all there ready to throng in at the opening of the doors,
and sat listening, eager, anxious, and perspiring. Some were strongly
for the young man and some were as determined for the Elder's views,
and a tension of interest and friction of minds pervaded the very
atmosphere of the court room. It had been the effort of Milton Hibbard
to work up the sentiment of those who had been so eagerly following
the trial, in favor of his client's cause, before bringing on the
final coup of the testimony of the Swede, and, last of all, that of
Betty Ballard.

Poor little Betty, never for a moment doubting her perception in her
recognition of Peter Junior, yet fearing those doubting ones in the
court room, sat at home, quivering with the thought that the truth she
must tell when at last her turn came might be the one straw added to
the burden of evidence piled up to convict an innocent man. Wordlessly
and continually in her heart she was praying that Richard might know
and come to them, calling him, calling him, in her thoughts
ceaselessly imploring help, patience, delay, anything that might hold
events still until Richard could reach them, for deep in her heart of
faith she knew he would come. Wherever in all the universe he might
be, her cry must find him and bring him. He would feel it in his soul
and fly to them.

Bertrand brought Betty and her mother news of the proceedings, from
day to