The story of the Sun, New York: 1833-1928 / by Frank M. O'Brien ; with an introduction by Edward Page Mitchell ...

SOME "SUN" STORIES

267

strides around the walls and came to a stand at the
railing. Those who watched him did not see a sign
of agitation. He was breathing slowly-you could
see that from the rise and fall of his powerful chest
-and smiling slightly as he glanced toward his
counsel.
He looked for the first time toward the jurors.
There was confidence and hope shining in his eyes.
Coolly, without haste, he studied the face of every
man in the box. Not one of them met his eye.
Forcnmn Blagden gazed at the floor. Frederick G.
Barrett, Sr., juror No. 12, studied the ceiling. The
others gazed into space or turned their glance toward
the justice.
There was the most perfect silence in the courtroom. The movements of trolley-cars in Centre
Street made a noise like rolling thunder. A pneumatic riveter at work on a building close by set up
a tremendous din.
And yet such sounds and annoyances were forgotten, ceased to be of consequence, when Clerk
Penny bent toward the foreman and slowly put the
customary question:
"Gentlemen of the jury, have you agreed upon
your verdict?"
Mr. Blagden's reply was barely audible; many in
the room sensed its import, but failed to grasp the
actual words. It was obvious that the foreman, having to express the will of his associates, was stirred
by such feeling as seldom comes to any man.
"Guilty as charged in the indictment," he breathed
more than spoke.
Becker's right hand was then gripped to the railing. He held his straw hat in his left hand, which, as
his arm was bent backward and upward, rested