After about half an hour a light fell through the glass, and Poll, availing herself of the opportunity, tapped gently: at first it was not noticed, and she tapped again, somewhat louder; this was successful--a gentle voice inquired in tones more of surprise than alarm, "who is there, and what is your business!" "A friend," said Poll.
"Poll Doolin!" "The same, and I'm here on a case of life and death.

Could you come out for a start--three minutes will do." "Certainly not--you trifled unnecessarily with my feelings before--I will have no more mysteries.

I can raise the window, however, and anything you have to say can be said where we stand." She raised the sash as she spoke.

"Now," said she "what is your business, Poll ?" "Life and death, as I said," replied Poll "Do you not know that Mr.
Harman is to be tried for murder, and that the assizes will open in a few days ?" "Unfortunately I do," replied Mary, sighing deeply, "but there can be no doubt of his acquittal.

Father Roche has been here, who was present, and told us how the whole circumstance occurred." "I don't doubt that," said Poll, "but this I tell you, and this you may rely on, that hang he will, in spite of fate; he's doomed." "Great God!" exclaimed the now terrified girl, "you chill the blood in my veins--doomed!--what do you mean, Poll ?" "M'Clutchy will have him hanged in spite of all opposition--you know his power now--he can carry everything his own way." "I know," replied the other, "that his influence is unfortunately great, no doubt, and cruelly is it exercised; but still, I don't know that he can carry everything his own way." "Do you know what packing a jury means ?" "Alas!" replied Mary, starting, and getting pale, "I do indeed, Poll.