When they came to me in the
morning did it seem to them that I was a murderer? Has my life been
like that? They who have really known me cannot believe that I have
been guilty. They who have not known me, and do believe, will live to
learn their error."
He then sat down and listened patiently while the old lawyer
described to him the nature of the case,--wherein lay his danger, and
wherein what hope there was of safety. There was no evidence against
him other than circumstantial evidence, and both judges and jury
were wont to be unwilling to accept such, when uncorroborated, as
sufficient in cases of life and death. Unfortunately, in this case
the circumstantial evidence was very strong against him. But, on the
other hand, his character, as to which men of great mark would speak
with enthusiasm, would be made to stand very high. "I would not have
it made to stand higher than it is," said Phineas. As to the opinion
of the world afterwards, Mr. Chaffanbrass went on to say, of that he
must take his chance. But surely he himself might fight better for it
living than any friend could do for him after his death.
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