And here the evidence was closed, the prosecutor, prisoner and
witnesses dismissed, and the court adjourned to meet again to
deliberate with closed doors.
It was a period of awful suspense with Traverse Rocke. The prospect
seemed dark for him.
The fact of the offence and the law affixing the penalty of death to
that offence was established, and as the Judge Advocate truly said,
nothing remained but for the court to find their verdict in
accordance to both.
Extenuating circumstances there were certainly; but extenuating
circumstances were seldom admitted in courts-martial, the law and
practice of which were severe to the extent of cruelty.
Another circumstance against him was the fact that it did not
require an unanimous vote to render a legal verdict, but that if a
majority of two-thirds should vote for conviction, the fate of the
prisoner would be sealed. Traverse had but one friend in the court,
and what could his single voice do against so many? Apparently
nothing: yet, as the prisoner on leaving the court-room, raised his
eyes to that friend, Herbert Greyson returned the look with a glance
of more than encouragement--of triumph.
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE VERDICT.
We must not make a scare-crow of the law,
Setting it up to frighten birds of prey;
And let it keep one shape till custom makes it,
Their perch and not their terror.
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