The court to-day was filled to overflowing, and a large number were
unable to gain admittance.
The disappearance of old Frick's diamond--we hope our respected
fellow-citizen will excuse our using the familiar name by which he is so
well known--has been eagerly discussed and commented upon by the
newspapers for the last few weeks.
The case did not promise to become a particularly difficult or
complicated one, although it was known that the accused had retracted
her confession; but the stolen article was of such an unusual kind, and
of such great value, and the persons who were to appear in the case were
so well-known, that it was only to be expected that the proceedings
would attract as many people as the court would hold. One could hardly
imagine anything more sadly interesting than the pale and pretty girl
who stood charged before the court with the theft of the now famous
diamond. By her side sat her counsel, a young advocate who is already
known in legal circles as a most able and successful counsel for the
defence.
Among the witnesses was the well-known figure of old Frick, and by his
side his niece, Miss Frick. Not far off stood Mr. Monk, acting chief of
the detective department, already a well-known and popular figure in our
town, as much appreciated for his acuteness and boldness as for his
tactful conduct when in the execution of his duty as a police official.
The dark distinguished-looking man beside Miss Frick was the Englishman,
Mr. Howell, who, as everybody knows, has been compelled by a strange
coincidence to appear as a witness in the case, and who, it is said,
will give the most remarkable evidence ever heard in our courts of
justice. The Englishman did not appear particularly edified with his
task. From what I hear, it seems he has tried to escape giving
evidence. It is anything but a pleasant duty to give evidence against a
young woman when one feels that it will mean conviction for her.
* * * * *
The presiding judge of the court took his seat, the case for the
prosecution was stated, and the usual questions asked of the accused as
to her name, age, etc.
She did not look up, but answered in a fairly audible voice. Then she
was asked whether she was guilty or not guilty.
All waited anxiously for the answer.
Her voice was this time so low that the judge had to lean toward her and
request her to speak more loudly.
The silence was so intense that the answer, although scarcely more than
a whisper, was heard all over the court: "Not guilty."
Had the public expected anything else? Perhaps--perhaps not....