The attitude of Ellisville was one of sardonic calm.

As a function, as a show, this trial might go on.
The trial did go on, rapidly, without quibbling, indeed without much regard for the formalities of the law.

The jury had been selected before Franklin made his appearance, and he was given to understand that this jury was good enough for him, and was the one before which this prisoner should be tried.

A formal motion for the discharge of the prisoner was overruled.

Without much delay the prosecuting attorney arose to present his charge.
"Yo' Honah," said the attorney for the State, arising and striking an attitude learned in earlier forensic days--"yo Honah, an' gentlemen, I rise to present to you, an' to push to the ultimate penalty of the law, a case of the most serious, the most heinyus crime, committed by the most desperate and dangerous criminal, that has thus far ever disturbed the peaceful course of ouah quiet little community.