With an unaccountable feeling of reluctance, Mr. Orcutt hastily complied. His first glance at the District Attorney made him thoughtful. He recognized the look which his opponent wore; he had seen it many a time before this, and knew what it indicated. As for Imogene, who could tell what went on in that determined breast? The close black veil revealed nothing. Mr. Orcutt impatiently turned back to his client. "I think you alarm yourself unnecessarily," he whispered. "Ferris means to fight, but what of that? He wouldn't be fit for his position if he didn't struggle to the last gasp even for a failing cause." Yet in saying this his lip took its sternest line, and from the glitter of his eye and the close contraction of his brow it looked as if he were polishing his own weapons for the conflict he thus unexpectedly saw before him. Meantime, across the court-room, another whispered conference was going on. "Hickory, where have you been ever since last night? I have not been able to find you anywhere." "I was on duty; I had a bird to look after." "A bird?" "Yes, a wild bird; one who is none too fond of its cage; a desperate one who might find means to force aside its bars and fly away." "What do you mean, Hickory? What nonsense is this?" "Look at Miss Dare and perhaps you will understand." "Miss Dare?" "Yes." Horace's eyes opened in secret alarm. "Do you mean----" "I mean that I spent the whole night in tramping up and down in front of her window. And a dismal task it was too. Her lamp burned till daylight." Here the court was called to order and Byrd had only opportunity to ask: "Why does she wear a veil?" To which the other whisperingly retorted: "Why did she spend the whole night in packing up her worldly goods and writing a letter to the Congregational minister to be sent after the adjournment of court to-day?" "Did she do that?" "She did." "Hickory, don't _you_ know--haven't you been told what she is expected to say or do here to-day?" "No." "You only guess?" "No, I don't guess." "You fear, then?" "Fear! Well, that's a big word to a fellow like me. I don't know as I fear any thing; I'm curious, that is all." Mr. Byrd drew back, looked over at Imogene, and involuntarily shook his head. What was in the mind of this mysterious woman? What direful purpose or shadow of doom lay behind the veil that separated her from the curiosity and perhaps the sympathy of the surrounding crowd? It was in vain to question; he could only wait in secret anxiety for the revelations which the next few minutes might bring. The defence having rested the night before, the first action of the Judge on the opening of the court was to demand whether the prosecution had any rebuttal testimony to offer. Mr. Ferris instantly rose. "Miss Dare, will you retake the stand," said he.