Bonny Jean, and A Severe Threat — page 241: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

234 A SEVERE THREAT. CHAPTER XXX. AN UNEXPECTED WITNESS. ‘* Here!” repeated the voice which had answered (most un- expectedly) Sir John Sydney’s frantic demand for positive proof of his own guilt. Every eye was strained with eager interest, as a woman arose and pressed forward through the throng. She made her way to the front, the crowd opening respectfuily for her to pass. The judge wiped his spectacles, and gazed upon her in blank surprise. ‘‘What is the meaning of this interruption?” he demanded. The woman turned'slowly, and lifting ber thick vail, disclosed an elderly, care-worn face, with strongly marked features, piercing black eyes, and grizzled hair which had once been the same ebon hue. ‘You are examining Sir John Sydney on the charge of the murder of one Stella Gordon, are you not?” she questioned, her language quite correct, though with a strong foreign ac- cent. The judge bowed, impressed somehow to treat her civilly. ‘‘We are, madam. But what is that to you ?” ‘*A great deal, your honor. I have evidence most important. Sir John demanded it, you will observe, and you will find, if you choose to listen, that my testimony will quite fill the bill desired by the gentleman himself.” ‘‘Let the witness be sworn,” commanded the judge. ‘‘ You are aware, madam, that this is merely the preliminary examina- tion ; no counsel expected i ‘And J tell you,” interrupted the woman, eagerly, ‘‘that I know enough about the affair to Aang-the guilty party! Isn’t that enough ?’ ‘Let the witness be sworn,” repeaded the judge, imperturb- ably ; and the ceremony was performed. “Your name, madam?” demanded his honor, settling him- self to the task before him with an air of resignation. , _** Your honor, may I ask a favor?” was the woman’s strange reply. ‘‘I would like the prisoner to identify me if you have no objection.” me 5 The judge nodded. ‘od Siva a Bog } Eomichooks (ee)