I may not say what I
know--I can not--you would not expect me to reveal it. It would involve
others whom I dare not name. I must not say _that_--but, believe me, Mr.
Colleton is not guilty--he did not commit the murder--it was somebody
else--I know, I will swear, he had no hand in the matter."
"Very well, my young lady, I have no doubt you think, and honestly
believe, all that you say; but what reasons have you for this bold
assertion in the teeth of all the testimony which has already been
given? You must not be surprised, if we are slow in believing what you
tell us, until you can show upon what grounds you make your statement.
How know you that the prisoner did not commit this crime? Do you know
who did? Can you reveal any facts for our knowledge? This is what you
must do. Do not be terrified--speak freely--officer! a chair for the
lady--tell us all that you know--keep nothing back--remember, you are
sworn to speak _the truth_--the _whole truth_."
The judge spoke kindly and encouragingly, while, with considerable
emphasis, he insisted upon a full statement of all she knew.
Pages:
695
696
697
698
699
700
701
702
703
704
705
706
707
708
709
710
711
712
713
714
715
716
717
718
719