They seemed to agree, at last,
that they had evidence enough, for the jury was instructed to prepare
its verdict. Its members withdrew a little distance under the trees,
and gathered into a group to talk it over.
I watched them for a moment, and then I turned to Swain.
"I suppose you know," I said, "that they're certain to find against
you? Even if they don't, the district attorney will cause your arrest
right away."
He nodded.
"I'm not worrying about that. I'm worrying about Miss Vaughan. You
won't forget your promise?"
"No."
"She'll have no one but you," he went on rapidly. "Neither will I! You
mustn't fail us!"
"I shan't," I promised. "But you'd better think about yourself a
little, Swain."
"Plenty of time for that when I'm sure that Marjorie's safe. The
minute you tell me she's at the Royces', I'll begin to think about
myself. I'm not afraid. I didn't kill that man. No jury would convict me."
I might have told him that convictions are founded on evidence, and
that the evidence in this case was certainly against him, but I
thought it better to hold my peace. The more confident he was, the
less irksome he would find imprisonment.
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