“Does the defense desire to question this witness?”

“No, your honor.”

A few more witnesses were called by the prosecuting attorney, all of whom testified to the death of S. Keeter by the hand (indeed, on the hand) of the prisoner.

The defense announced that no attempt would be made to prove that the deed was not committed by the prisoner, although she had pleaded “not guilty,” but that it would be clearly shown that the prisoner acted in self-defense, after an unwarranted and blood-thirsty attack; that, by the opinion of experts, it was committed, also, during a fit of emotional insanity when the defendant was goaded beyond endurance by the aforesaid S. Keeter with a poisoned barb. Several witnesses called by the defense testified to the attack by S. Keeter upon the defendant, to the high character of the prisoner, and her unusual behaviour at the time named by the prosecution. It was also brought out that the prisoner had no weapon at the time.

Edith was called to the stand, but had a bright thought to avoid trouble. To each question put by the prosecution she replied that she would not answer “for fear of incriminating” herself. This added interest and fun, but rather spoiled some of the plans. Finally the charge to the jury was made by Lilian:

“Gentlemen of the jury, you have heard the testimony of the witnesses, and you have seen the guilty face of the prisoner at the bar! Remember to do your duty! Let not the ends of justice be thwarted!”

The jury retired, calling forth a fresh burst of laughter as in their ridiculous costumes they merely paraded around the chairs, the bailiff holding up placards marked “One Hour,” “Two Hours,” “Three Hours,” “Four Hours,” till in the same manner as before the jury took their seats. When the foreman was called upon for his report, in an impressive manner he said, “After the deliberation of hours, the jury has unanimously reached the conclusion that the prisoner is GUILTY, but she is recommended to the mercy of the court.”

“Remove the prisoner!” sternly said the judge. “The sentence will be imposed later. The next case will be heard.”

Edith pretended to faint, and was assisted back to her seat by the same officials who had conducted her to the court.

“Were you in the secret, Edith?” asked one timid little freshman.

“No, indeed, couldn’t 

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