Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1897-11-11
CHAPTER XI.
THE VERDICT.

There are some individuals whose
nerves are so we'll trained that they can
be made to sustain almost any strain
without giving evidence Of the tension
TO which they have been exposed. Vir-
Rinia Lewis was Of this kind. There is,
however, in all probability, no force in
nature that has not breaking point,
beyond which it is impossible for integ-
rity to endure, and so it was in the case
of this most remarkably strong willed
girl. She had passed through fiery Or
deal bravely, and might say success
fully, until at last the unexpected had
come to destroy all her powers Of con-
troll.
Nevertheless she was not one to give
way, like her friend Alice Marvel, and
though she certainly started very per
ceptibly when her lovers name was
called she looked like frightened ami
nal who, though awaiting death
blow, was yet prepared to die hard. As
she stood expectant and defiant she
won the admiration of all the men in
the room, thing Of no small conse-
uuence when it is remembered that 10
Of these composed the jury. There was
u painful silence until the entrance OF
the next witness. At last he came, and
when Virginia saw him and knew that
this was no trick that was being played
to frighten her into revealing that
which she had determined to conceal
she could not repress slight cry as shs
stepped from the stand and dropped into
the nearest scat. Then she assumed a
stolid expression, which defied the scru-
tiny of Mr.. Barnes or any of the others.
Marvel cast one hasty glance In her
direction, and with his lips little
firmly compressed he took his place on
the witness stand. Mr.. Tupper at once
began:
'Mr. Marvel, do you remember the
day Of the fete given by Miss Lewis at
Riverside?"
"Most distinctly"
II believe you attempted to kill Mr..
Lewis OH that occasion?'
II drew out my pistol under great
provocation and in anger. Miss Lewis
struck my arm, and my weapon was dis
charged"
"Do you mean that when you took
out your pistol it was not your intention
to fire it?'
II cannot tell what my intention
was. AS said, acted under excite
ment. 1t is impossible to say what may
or what may not have happened.
"But did you not threaten Mr.. Lewis
as you left the lawny'
Perhaps. 1t would have been but
natural"
"Where did you go when you left the
farm that night?'
Home, of course"
"But why is it, then, that you were
not there when search was made for
you the next day?"
II was disheartened and disgusted at
the turn of events, and in sheer des-
peration I arose early and went of gun
ming"
Ibid you return3"
AFTER q days shooting went Oh to
Epping, where have house."
"That place was searched few days
later, and no trace Of you was to be
found"
II only staid there one day and then
went to Worcester"
"Why did you do that?"
because I knew Of the plot which
Mr.. Lewis was forming against me-"
"How could you know that, since
you left Leo before any steps had been
inaugurated?"
IA friend warned me by letter"
"Who was this obliging friend, and
how did he know where letter would
reach your"
Before left I told him where I
meant to 60. 1t is immaterial who he
is"
II presume this was Mr.. Everly, was
it not?"
Marvel remained silent, and Mr..
Tupper did not press the point, but con;
tinued:
"Where were you on the night upon
which Mr.. Lewis was murdered?'
II was at the farm"
The lawyer was pleased at this
straig ghtforward reply.
"What were you doing there?'
"Is it essential to go into that?'
"It is very essential"
"Well, then, went there to meet
Miss Lewis, having asked her for an in
terview."