You are not now to
say whether you believe him _capable_ of such an act or not. You are to
say whether you _know_ of any circumstances which shall acquit him of
the charge, or furnish a plausible reason, why others, not less than
yourself, should have a like reason with yourself to believe him
innocent. Can you do this, Miss Munro? Can you show anything, in this
chain of circumstances, against him, which, of your own knowledge, you
can say to be untrue? Speak out, young lady, and rely upon every
indulgence from the court."
Here the judge recapitulated all the evidence which had been furnished
against the prisoner. The maiden listened with close attention, and the
difficulties of her situation became more and more obvious. Finding her
slow to answer, though her looks were certainly full of meaning, the
presiding officer took another course for the object which he had in
view. He now proceeded to her examination in the following form:--
"You know the prisoner?"
"I do.
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