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 insensible at the foot of her dining-room clock, fixed at three or four minutes past noon. The next point to be ascertained was when she received the deadly blow. And here the great surprise of the defence occurred. Mr. Orcutt rose, and in clear, firm tones said: "Gouverneur Hildreth, take the stand." Instantly, and before the witness could comply, Mr. Ferris was on his feet. "Who? what?" he cried. "Gouverneur Hildreth," repeated Mr. Orcutt. "Did you know this gentleman has already been in custody upon suspicion of having committed the crime for which the prisoner is now being tried?" "I do," returned Mr. Orcutt, with imperturbable _sang froid_. "And is it your intention to save your client from the gallows by putting the halter around the neck of the man you now propose to call as a witness?" "No," retorted Mr. Orcutt; "_I_ do not propose to put the halter about any man's neck. That is the proud privilege of my learned and respected opponent." With an impatient frown Mr. Ferris sat down, while Mr. Hildreth, who had taken advantage of this short passage of arms between the lawyers to retain his place in the remote corner where he was more or less shielded from the curiosity of the crowd, rose, and, with a slow and painful movement that at once attracted attention to his carefully bandaged throat and the general air of debility which surrounded him, came hesitatingly forward and took his stand in face of the judge and jury.