"
The barristers, held in check by the stern practice of the English law,
which, unlike American practice does not allow counsel to becloud the
issue with objection and technical argument, remained motionless. They
knew Cleek, and knew that here was the crisis of the case they had
presented so learnedly.
"This is an unusual occurrence, sir," at last spoke the judge, "and you
are distinctly late. The jury has returned and the foreman is about to
pronounce the verdict. What is it you have to say, sir?"
"Your Lordship, it is simply this." Cleek threw back his head. "The
prisoner at bar--" He pointed to Merriton, who at the first sound of
Cleek's voice had spun round, a sudden hope finding birth in his dull
eyes, "is _innocent_! I have absolute proof. Also--" He switched round
upon his heel and surveyed the court room, "I beg of your Lordship that
you will immediately give orders for no person to leave this court. The
instigator of the crime is before my eyes. Perhaps you do not know me,
but I have been at work upon this case for some time, and am a colleague
of Mr.
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