It is true, however, that at this last session of the court no additional witnesses were expected who could injure the accused, and in the absence of proof it was impossible to convict them.
The best lawyers in the department, those of Lyons and Besancon, had been retained by the prisoners for their defence.

Each had spoken in turn, destroying bit by bit the indictment, as, in the tournaments of the Middle Ages, a strong and dexterous knight was wont to knock off, piece by piece, his adversary's armor.

Flattering applause had followed the more remarkable points of their arguments, in spite of the usher's warnings and the admonitions of the judge.
Amelie, with clasped hands, was thanking God, who had so visibly manifested Himself in the prisoners' favor.

A dreadful weight was lifted from her tortured breast.

She breathed with joy, and looked through tears of gratitude at the Christ which hung above the judge's head.
The arguments were all made, and the case about to be closed.