To the general eye, however, the appearance of the court-room was much
the same as on the previous day. Only to the close observer was it
evident that the countenances of the several actors in this exciting
drama wore a different expression. Mr. Byrd, who by dint of the most
energetic effort had succeeded in procuring his old seat, was one of
these, and as he noted the significant change, wished that Hickory had
been at his side to note it with him.

The first person he observed was, naturally, the Judge.

Judge Evans, who has been but barely introduced to the reader, was a man
of great moral force and discretion. He had occupied his present
position for many years, and possessed not only the confidence but the
affections of those who came within the sphere of his jurisdiction. The
reason for this undoubtedly lay in his sympathetic nature. While never
accused of weakness, he so unmistakably retained the feeling heart under
the official ermine that it was by no means an uncommon thing for him to
show more emotion in uttering a sentence than the man he condemned did
in listening to it.

His expression, then, upon this momentous morning was of great
significance to Mr. Byrd. In its hopefulness and cheer was written the
extent of the effect made upon the unprejudiced mind by the promised
defence.

As for Mr. Orcutt himself, no advocate could display a more confident
air or prepare to introduce his witnesses with more dignity or quiet
assurance. His self-possession was so marked, indeed, that Mr. Byrd, who
felt a sympathetic interest in what he knew to be seething in this man's
breast, was greatly surprised, and surveyed, with a feeling almost akin
to awe, the lawyer who could so sink all personal considerations in the
cause he was trying.

Miss Dare, on the contrary, was in a state of nervous agitation. Though
no movement betrayed this, the very force of the restraint she put upon
herself showed the extent of her inner excitement.

The prisoner alone remained unchanged. Nothing could shake his steady
soul from its composure, not the possibility of death or the prospect of
release. He was absolutely imposing in his quiet presence, and Mr. Byrd
could not but admire the power of the man even while recoiling from his
supposed guilt.

The opening of the defence carried the minds of many back to the
inquest. The nice question of time was gone into, and the moment when
Mrs. Clemmens was found lying bleeding and insensi