Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-08-07
CHAPTER X.-(ContinuedD
90 UILTY Of WHAT" queried the Court
" impatiep&y.

VI impatierAly.
"Of murd,r in the first degree" answered
the jury as one man.
Gentlemen of the jury. your verdict is
guilty of murder in the first degree, and so
saw all of your" reeled off the clerk, looking
at his minutes.
They nodded
You are discharged, gentlemen, with the
thanks of the Court" announced the Court
with approval BE here tomorrow morning
at 10 o'clock
Meanwhile Chaloner sat sullen, desperate,
his chin resting on his hand, glaring into
space Around him was confusion, ex-
postulation. Tho spectators were pressing
forward toward the rail to get another look
at the accused. while the jury was passing
out All of "A sudden the sound of buzzing
whispers died down and was followed in a
moment by an iutenser silence There was
stir among those in the front seats, and the
fudge looking up, was surprised TO see
that il was caused by the defendants wife,
who had moved from her place and was
making her way to the prosecutors desk,
determination standing out on her coun-
tenance.
Immediately all eyes were fixed on her,
as she placed her hand upon Murgatroyds
arm, and looking him full in the face,
exclaimed hysterically:-
They found him guilty--guilty, do you
understand? What have you go to say?'
Murgatroyd looked at her, but he did
not answer Her grasp became clutch
as she repeated
What have you got to say to me?
Speak ="
Murgatroyd was imperturbable.
Miriam, aghast at his cooness. stared
at him then she began again:--
"You-you--" Fer voice failed her. and
relaxing her grasp, she clung to the table
for support Shirley ran to her. held her,
saying gently
Miriam. dear, you are beside yourself
come, come away!
But Miriam braced herself and resolutely
shook herself free from her friend.
mo" she replied evenly, II am not
going :" and her voice rose as she went on :
Don't let anybody go. What l have to
say l want all of you to hear" And
tottering over toward the bench as the spec
tators pressed tumultuously forward. Peter
Broderick among the rest. she exclaimed -
"Your honor! Your honor -
''what is it, Madame?" asked the justice.
And considering that the Court believed that
II had to deal with case Of hysteria,
the voice was surprisingly little tinged with
irritability; but then the learned judge felt
that he must make some concession to a
woman of Mrs Challoner's high social
standing; and therefore he AIDED politely:
you must be brief"
'I shall be BRIEF" answered Mrs Chal-
lonep sending an accusing glance toward
the prosecutor. II desire to make a charge
against Mr. Murgatroyd the prosecutor Of
the peas!" She was well contained, but
her tone was harsh. cutting.
The Court glanced rympathetically at
her. and then smiled gently, indulgently
in the direction of the prosecutor
II accuse him of bribery" she went
on. ''He promised to sot my husband free -
Shirley Bloodgood clutched her once more,
pleading with her to stop.
Miriam. what are you saying? You
must stop this ~
Bribery" asked the Justice. somewhat
startled. Bribery"
For an instant there was a subdued up
roar Graham Thorne pressed forward
toward the Court Broderick from the crowd
behind pushed his way into the inclosure {;
thrust their pads and pencils into
the scene; spectators stirred, became noisy; ;
but Murgatroyd never moved.
LET Mrs, Challoner go on" demanded
Thorne
The Court raped loudly with his gavel;
the crowd slumped into silence,
"Clear this courtroom - ordered the JUS
tice, standing up until his command was
obeyed.
The process took five minutes. At the
end of that period none was left within the
room except the officers and those within
court officer who valued his position dared
to disturb Broderick
Now close the doors!" ordered the JUS
tce:
That took an instant more. At last the
Court said:
"Now, Mrs Challoner
Miriam Challoners eyes flashed fire.
"I want everybody here" she cried. ito
know and understand what this man has
done He arrested my husband" she went
on. her face still turned toward Murgatroyd,
her eyes holding his glance; II begged OF
him to set him free-he refused. He told
me he could do nothing for me-could do
but his duty I couldn't move
him he. wouldn't bulge an inch until finally
I offered him money"
She paused. Peter Broderick moved
few steps nearer, gnawing his fngernails;
Thorne watched Murgatroyd closely; but
was unmovec. He returned
Mlriams glance with interest: he gave no
sign.
=" until ! offered money" she
repeated. II offered him one hundred dol
lars; he refused to take II.
Naturally" interposed the Court
"He refused to take IT," went on Miriam,
irritated by the interruption, because he
knew there was more. He demanded eight
hundred and sixty thousand dollars-all
had--to set my husband freel He took II
and agreed to set him free. And now" she
concluded, advancing toward Murgatroyd
as though with a threat upon her tongue,
'see how heNhas kept his word u
at can't be true.' Shirley Bloodgood was
heard TO say. half aloud,
.Broderlck crept up close to Thorne and
nudged him. The latter interpreted cor
rectly the action
LET Mrs Chalioner go on" suggested
rhorne and the Court ordered Mrs. Chal-
loner to proceed.
That's ALL" said Miriam, quite Close to
he, prosecutor now. except what have "a
~ % Mr. Mnrsstroyd"