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Show Page 245 remembrance of the heartrending events of that March day or from the realization that my words might be sending a man to his death. I hardened myself against the latter thought. Perhaps I had become calloused of heart, but I wanted Camohan to die. "Is Mistress Douglas the only witness?" asked Sir Yeardley, who was acting-rather half-heartedly I noted - for the defense. "Must I remind the court that serious cases need two witnesses?" The devil must have seized my tongue, for even though Sir Yeardley had not addressed his question to me, I spoke out of turn and said, "Of course there are no other witnesses. All others who may have seen this man that day are-dead." My voice broke. A murmur passed about the room. "The circumstances in this case are unusual," said Governor Wyatt then. "Therefore, I believe a second witness will not be necessary." Sir Yeardley apparently was not inclined to argue the point, for he said nothing. Moments later I was dismissed, though I- longed to stay and hear the verdict. "The jury found the Indian guilty," Captain Pierce told us later that day. "He is to be hanged tomorrow. You know, he never so much as twitched a muscle when he was sentenced." The captain shook his head and went to fetch his pipe. |