tied.

Ellis hurried to change the current of her talk by interposing another
question.

"Will you tell us, Miss Carmen, why you have been working--"

"I have been working for God," she interrupted. Her voice was low and
steady, and her eyes shone with a light that men are not wont to see
in those of their neighbors. "I have not been working for men. He
alone is my employer. And for Him I am here to-day."

Consternation was plainly discernible in the camp of the prosecution.
Cass knew now that he need make no more objections. The defense had
passed from his hands.

At this juncture James Ketchim, brother of the defendant, thinking to
relieve the strain and embarrassment, gave audible voice to one of his
wonted witticisms. All turned to look at him. But the effect was not
what he had anticipated. No one laughed.

"Hold your tongue, Mr. Ketchim!" roared the exasperated judge, bending
far over his desk. "You are just a smart little fool!" And the elder
Ketchim retired in chagrin and confusion.

"Miss Carmen," pursued Ellis, eager to recover his advantage, for he
saw significant movements among the jury, "do you not think the
unfortunate results at Avon quite prove that you have allied yourself
with those who oppose the nation's industrial progress?"

Carmen sat silent. Order had now been restored in the court room, and
Ellis was feeling sure of himself again.

"You have opposed the constructive development of our country's
resources by your assaults upon men of wealth, like Mr. Ames, for
example, have you not?"

Then the girl opened her mouth, and from it came words that fell upon
the room like masses of lead. "I stand opposed to any man, Mr. Ellis,
who, to enrich himself, and for the purpose of revenge, spreads the
boll weevil in the cotton fields of the South."

Dull silence descended upon the place. And yet it was a silence that
fell crashing upon Ames's straining ears. He sat for a moment stunned;
then sprang to his feet. All eyes were turned upon him. He held out a
hand, and made as if to speak; then sank again into his chair.

Ellis stood as if petrified. Then Hood rose and whispered to him.
Ellis collected himself, and turned to the judge.

"Your Honor, we regret to state that, from the replies which Miss
Ariza has given, we do not consider her mentally competent as a
witness. We therefore dismiss her."

But Cass had leaped to the floor. "Your Honor!" he cried. "I should
like to examine the witness