the
half-suppressed hum of conversation the clerk's voice arose at regular
intervals, calling out the name of one of the jurymen, and, as its owner
stood up, the court usher, black-gowned and sacerdotal of aspect,
advanced and proffered the book. Then, as the juryman took the volume in
his hand, the voice of the usher resounded through the court like that
of a priest intoning some refrain or antiphon--an effect that was
increased by the rhythmical and archaic character of the formula--

"Samuel Seppings!"

A stolid-looking working-man rose and, taking the Testament in his hand,
stood regarding the usher while that official sang out in a solemn
monotone--

"You shall well and truly try and true deliverance make between our
Sovereign Lord the King and the prisoner at the bar, whom you shall have
in charge, and a true verdict give according to the evidence. So help
you God!"

"James Piper!" Another juryman rose and was given the Book to hold; and
again the monotonous sing-song arose--

"You shall well and truly try and true deliverance make, etc."

"I shall scream aloud if that horrible chant goes on much longer,"
Juliet whispered. "Why don't they all swear at once and have done with
it?"

"That would not meet the requirements," I answered. "However, there are
only two more, so you must have patience."

"And you will have patience with me, too, won't you? I am horribly
frightened. It is all so solemn and dreadful."

"You must try to keep up your courage until Dr. Thorndyke has given his
evidence," I said. "Remember that, until he has spoken, everything is
against Reuben; so be prepared."

"I will try," she answered meekly; "but I can't help being terrified."

The last of the jurymen was at length sworn, and when the clerk had once
more called out the names one by one, the usher counting loudly as each
man answered to his name, the latter officer turned to the Court and
spectators, and proclaimed in solemn tones--

"If anyone can inform my Lords the King's justices, the King's
attorney-general, or the King's serjeant, ere this inquest be now taken
between our Sovereign Lord the King and the prisoner at the bar, of any
treason, murder, felony or misdemeanour, committed or done by him, let
him come forth and he shall be heard; for the prisoner stands at the bar
upon his deliverance."

This proclamation was followed by a profound silence, and after a brief
interval the Clerk of Arraigns turned towards the jur