Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1921 edition. Excerpt: ... ness for the prosecution it would not be quite proper for me to talk to him. Do you think it would be possible for you to casually ascertain from him a little more fully what he knows about the hour of the murder?" "Well "hesitated the sheriff. "But you're a sacred camel," urged Mr. Tutt. The fact that Emerson also was a camel and that all camels are proverbially thirsty animals may have accounted for Squire Mason's failure to learn of the lost witness' reappearance before court opened. While the worthy Hezekiah during the progress of the trial had at times felt momentary twinges of apprehension--not, of conscience--but lest his motives and conduct of the prosecution should be impugned, he now felt secure. The only person in the world--as he thought--whose testimony could possibly subject him to censure had providentially absented himself. It made no difference whether Skinny took the stand or stayed off it. His denial wouldn't affect the strength of the case in any way, --would amount to nothing in view of the blood on his hands, the marks of his shoes, the pipe, the twenty five-dollar gold pieces and the fact that Emerson had trailed him straight to Pottsville within fifteen minutes. So the Squire felt pretty fine and the dome on the Capitol at Albany shone brightly and near at hand. He had old Tutt down and out! Even the New York papers would probably carry a big story about the conviction. In the background of his crafty mind lurked, as well, the realization that in case of a conviction there would be no one to demand the payment of Skinny's semiannual interest. So the Hon. Hezekiah strolled back into the court room, picking his teeth with a good deal of satisfaction. It was jammed as usual, --the audience breathlessly awaiting the...
