Part 121 (1/2)

”Of what young fellow do you speak?” inquires the judge.

”The mowstanger thur, in coorse. Him as stan's 'cused o' killin' young Peintdexter.”

”It would be somewhat irregular,” rejoins the judge--”After all, our object is to get at the truth. For my part, I haven't much faith in old-fas.h.i.+oned forms; and if the jury don't object, let it be as you say.”

The ”twelve,” speaking through their foreman, profess themselves of the same way of thinking. Frontiersmen are not noted for strict adherence to ceremonious forms; and Zeb's request is conceded _nemine dissentiente_.

CHAPTER EIGHTY NINE.

THE CONFESSION OF THE ACCUSED.

Acting under the advice of his counsel, the accused prepares to avail himself of the advantage thus conceded.

Directed by the judge, he stands forward; the sheriff's officers in charge falling a step or two into the rear.

It is superfluous to say that there is universal silence. Even the tree crickets, hitherto ”chirping” among the leaves of the live-oak, desist from their shrill stridulation--as if awed by the stillness underneath.

Every eye is fixed upon the prisoner; every ear bent to catch the first words of, what may be termed, his _confession_.

”Judge, and gentlemen of the jury!” says he, commencing his speech in true Texan style; ”you are good enough to let me speak for myself; and in availing myself of the privilege, I shall not long detain you.

”First, have I to say: that, notwithstanding the many circ.u.mstances mentioned during the course of this trial--which to you appear not only odd, but inexplicable--my story is simple enough; and will explain some of them.

”Not all of the statements you have heard are true. Some of them are false as the lips from which they have fallen.”

The speaker's glance, directed upon Ca.s.sius Calhoun, causes the latter to quail, as if standing before the muzzle of a six-shooter.

”It is true that I met Miss Poindexter, as stated. That n.o.ble lady, by her own generous confession, has saved me from the sin of perjuring myself--which otherwise I might have done. In all else I entreat you to believe me.

”It is also true that our interview was a stolen one; and that it was interrupted by him who is not here to speak to what occurred after.

”It is true that angry words pa.s.sed between us, or rather from him to me: for they were all on his side.

”But it is _not_ true that the quarrel was afterwards renewed; and the man who has so sworn dared not say it, were I free to contradict him as he deserves.”

Again are the eyes of the accused turned towards Calhoun, still cowering behind the crowd.

”On the contrary,” continues he, ”the next meeting between Henry Poindexter and myself, was one of apology on his part, and friends.h.i.+p--I might say affection--on mine.

”Who could have helped liking him? As to forgiving him for the few words he had rashly spoken, I need hardly tell you how grateful I felt for that reconciliation.”

”There was a reconciliation, then?” asks the judge, taking advantage of a pause in the narration. ”Where did it take place?”

”About four hundred yards from the spot _where the murder was committed_.”

The judge starts to his feet. The jury do the same. The spectators, already standing, show signs of a like exciting surprise.

It is the first time any one has spoken positively of the spot where the murder was committed; or even that a murder has been committed at all!

”You mean the place where some blood was found?” doubtingly interrogates the judge.