prove to the last inch of necessity its right to take a human life. And
the right and the reason should bring conviction to every honest human
mind. That is all I have to say."

The crown attorney made a perfunctory reply. The judge's charge was
brief, and, if anything, a little in favour of the prisoner--very little,
a casuist's little; and the jury filed out of the room. They were gone
but ten minutes. When they returned, the verdict was given: "Not guilty,
your Honour!"

Then it was that a woman laughed in the gallery. Then a whispering voice
said across the railing which separated the public from the lawyers:
"Charley! Charley!"

Though Charley turned and looked at the lady who spoke, he made no
response.

A few minutes later, outside the court, as he walked quickly away, again
inscrutable and debonair, the prisoner, Joseph Nadeau, touched him on the
arm and said:

"M'sieu', M'sieu', you have saved my life--I thank you, M'sieu'!"

Charley Steele drew his arm away with disgust. "Get out of my sight!
You're as guilty as hell!" he said.




CHAPTER II