“I only say,” continued Ross, “if this were the case; if a new trial were granted, if there was no lack of funds to pave the way through court, would you not, having a new trial, suppress the proofs of this former marriage? Might not your wife herself be persuaded to aid in clearing you?” “No,” replied the prisoner, firmly. “It could not be. My wife pursues me with that strong hate which is born of baffled passion. Zulima ceased to love me.” “Because she believed her marriage unlawful,” said Ross. “It was unlawful. I have acknowledged it again and again. Zulima had nothing left—nothing but her freedom from the man that had wronged her to hope for. I would not deprive her of that.” “And if the means were before you? If you could obtain a new trial, this first marriage, you are certain, would be proven against you?” “I am very certain,” replied the prisoner. “Remember, if they fail to prove the first marriage, you are free forever, and Zulima is your lawful wife. Is not this worth an effort?” The unhappy man clasped his hands, and for a moment there broke through his sad eyes a luster that was perfectly dazzling. “Worth an effort!” he said. “Oh, heavens! I would die but to see her look upon me again with love for a single moment.” “Then why not make the effort?” “Because I know that Zulima has ceased to love me. She is young, beautiful. I feel that she has brought me here, not for revenge, but that herself may attain honorable freedom. I would not raise my hand to thwart her in the just object.” The two men looked anxiously at each other. They were astounded by the strange magnanimity of the prisoner. “I tell you,” said Ross, earnestly “this thing can be brought about. Your counsel have seen the witnesses. Gold is a potent agent. Even your wife yields; she will not appear. You can be cleared of this charge; you can claim Zulima as your lawful wife. We pledge ourselves to accomplish all that we have proposed.” “Gentlemen, you seem kind, and I thank you; but I _know_ that the wrong which I inflicted on that young girl has been followed by her aversion; she has told me so. She is not my lawful wife; without her love—her firm, earnest love, I would not claim her if she were. All that she desires is freedom; that she shall have, though it cost my life instead of a few years’ imprisonment.” Ross arose and went into the corridor, where he conversed in a low voice and very earnestly with the turnkey. Meantime the prisoner sat down in the empty chair, and burying his face in his hands, seemed to be lost in bitter thought. When Ross returned he arose and stood up, but his face was haggard, and he seemed to suffer much from the struggle that had been aroused in his breast. “Then you are determined not to claim a new trial?” “I am,” was the reply.