All gave way--many that were seated arose to their feet, and spoke in
eager whispers, or looked over each others' heads.
"Order! silence in the court!" shouted the marshal.
"Your honor--this lady is a vitally important witness for the defense,"
said Cloudy, pushing his way into the presence of the judge, leaving his
female companion standing before the bench and then hurrying to the
dock, where he grasped the hand of the prisoner, exclaiming,
breathlessly: "Saved--Thurston! Saved!"
"Order! silence!" called out the marshal, by way of making himself
agreeable--for there was silence in the court, where all the audience at
least were more anxious to hear than to speak.
"Your honor, I move that the new witness be heard," said Mr. Romford.
"The defense is closed--the charge given to the jury, who have decided
upon their verdict," answered the State's Attorney.
"The verdict has not been rendered, the jury have the privilege of
hearing this new witness," said the judge.
The jury were unanimous in the resolution to withhold their verdict
until they had heard.
This being decided, the Sister of Mercy took the stand, threw aside her
long, black veil, and revealed the features of Jacquelina; but so pale,
weary, anxious and terrified, as to be scarcely recognizable.
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