The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1938-11-11
CHAPTER Ix-Continued


Falkran cleared his throat.
"Well," he said, "Mr. Sentry stood
the cross-examination surprisingly
WELL" And as Dan Fisher moved,
the lawyer insisted, smiling: "Of
course, for our friends the reporters
this was the high spot Of the trial,
and they made the most of it. But
as Mr.. Sentry's counsel, was proud
of him."
Mrs. Sentry nodded without speak
ing. Falkran challenged Dan,
''Wasn't that your impression-as a
friend of the family?"
Dan started to answer honestly,
but he caught Phil'd eye with en-
treaty in it, and said only: 81 was
too busy taking notes to-think of
that side of it. Our job is to re-
port the case, not to decide it." He
added guardedly, "But I thought
Mr.. Weldon shook him once or
twice"
Falkran said: "I'm glad to have
your opinion. Weldon is of course
skillful cross-examiner, makes ev-
cry possible effect. It is conceiv-
able that some of the jurors may
still be undecided; but Mrs. Sentry's
testimony tomorrow will turn the
scales our way"
Dan protested, 81 don't think you
should call her"
81 know" Falkran agreed. "You
and all her friends have natural
desire to spare her. That is to be
expected. And believe me, Dan, I
do not insist. But Mrs. Sentry I'M
derstands that an acquittal may de-
pend upon her testimony; and of
course she wishes to do whatever
she can for her husband, no matter
what the cost to herself"
Mrs. Sentry watched them both,
her face expressionless, saying moth
ing. Phil came to sit on the arm of
her chair, his eyes holding Dams,
dreading what Dan might say.
Dan said, "You claim her testi-
mony may acquit him?"
81 have promised her it will"
''What can she say that will
help?"
Falkran hesitated. "Well, Dan,"
he answered at last, "you heard Mr..
Sentry's testimony this afternoon.
You understand that the only mo-
tive the State can suggest was Mr..
Sentry's fear OF. his wife's attitude.
But if Mrs. Sentry testifes that he
had no cause to be afraid Of her,
and that he knew it, then that mo-
tive disappears.
There was silence that extended
for long minutes. Dan watched Mrs.
Sentry. She sat with her head lit
tie bent.
And she looked at them, at Dam
and then at Falkran. Dan stared
in quick surprise. There was some
thing in her eyes he could not read;
something like serenity. $50 I must
decide" she said quietly. Then to
Falkran: "You wish me to testify"
eyes"
Her eyes held his for a moment.
Then she said, half smiling, looking
up at Phil, "Son, a curious thing has
happened to me-" The room was
very still. ''Phil, I have suddenly
fallen in love with your father.
He's so alone, so helpless. I
must help him." She met Falkran's
eyes; she said: 81 want to do every
thing can. Ask me whatever you
wish!"
He came leaping to his feet,
smiled that great clustering smile of
his. Splendid" he exclaimed. 81
counted on you, counted on your
strength and courage. Be easy, Mrs.
Sentry. Your testimony will set your
husband free"
She rose to face him; but, on her
feet, weakness swept her. She
leaned on Phil, said to them all:
Forgive me. ! am tired. Phil,
will you take me upstairs?"
In the morning Falkran did call
Mrs. Sentry to the stand. At her
name, she rose and walked steadily
to the witness box. She was sworn,
and Fa1kran approached her.
He asked simply, "You are Mrs.
Arthur Sentry?"
81 am"
'The wife of the defendant"
II am"
Fa1lxran turned, he bowed to the
District Attorney, he said, "You
may inquire"
And the District Attorney said in
stantly, ''No questions.
Falkran smiled triunphantly; but
Mrs. Sentry stood dazed and incred-
ulous. Strong for the ordeal she had
expected, this deliverance drained
all her strength away. Falkran
came to lead her to her seat again.
Through the remaining days of the
trial, she listened inattentively, even
when Mr.. Loran, during the States
rebuttal, took the stand. His testi-
n1ony was brief. He denied any
personal relations with Miss Wines;
said he never saw her after her work
in the office was ended. He testi-
fed that on those days in August
when she was out Of town, he was
u n