The remainder of the trial consisted of the testimony1 of eleven witnesses--four for Mason and seven for Clyde.
One of the latter--a Dr. A. K. Sword, of Rehobeth--chancing to be at Big Bittern on the day that Roberta's bodywas returned to the boat-house, now declared that he had seen and examined it there and that the wounds, as theyappeared then, did not seem to him as other than such as might have been delivered by such a blow as Clydeadmitted to having struck accidentally, and that unquestionably Miss Alden had been drowned while conscious-andnot unconscious, as the state would have the jury believe--a result which led Mason into an inquiryconcerning the gentleman's medical history, which, alas2, was not as impressive as it might have been. He hadbeen graduated from a second-rate medical school in Oklahoma and had practised in a small town ever since. Inaddition to him--and entirely3 apart from the crime with which Clyde was charged--there was Samuel Yearsley,one of the farmers from around Gun Lodge4, who, driving over the road which Roberta's body had traveled inbeing removed from Big Bittern to Gun Lodge, now earnestly swore that the road, as he had noticed in drivingover it that same morning, was quite rough--making it possible for Belknap, who was examining him, to indicatethat this was at least anapproximate cause of the extra-severity of the wounds upon Roberta's head and face.
This bit of testimony was later contradicted, however, by a rival witness for Mason--the driver for Lutz Brothers,no less, who as earnestly swore that he found no ruts or rough places whatsoever5 in the road. And again therewere Liggett and Whiggam to say that in so far as they had been able to note or determine, Clyde's conduct inconnection with his technical efforts for Griffiths & Company had been attentive6, faithful and valuable. They hadseen no official harm in him. And then several other minor7 witnesses to say that in so far as they had been able toobserve his social comings and goings, Clyde's conduct was most circumspect8, ceremonious and guarded. Hehad done no ill that they knew of. But, alas, as Mason in cross-examining them was quick to point out, they hadnever heard of Roberta Alden or her trouble or even of Clyde's social relationship with her.
Finally many small and dangerous and difficult points having been bridged or buttressed9 or fended10 against aswell as each side could, it became Belknap's duty to say his last word for Clyde. And to this he gave an entireday, most carefully, and in the spirit of his opening address, retracing11 and emphasizing every point which tendedto show how almost unconsciously, if not quite innocently, Clyde had fallen into the relationship with Robertawhich had ended so disastrously12 for both. Mental and moral cowardice13, as he now reiterated14, inflamed15 or at leastoperated on by various lacks in Clyde's early life, plus new opportunities such as previously16 had never appearedto be within his grasp, had affected17 his "perhaps too pliable18 and sensual and impractical19 and dreamy mind." Nodoubt he had not been fair to Miss Alden. No question as to that. He had not. But on the other hand--and as hadbeen most clearly shown by the confession20 which the defense21 had elicited--he had not proved ultimately so cruelor vile22 as the prosecution23 would have the public and this honorable jury believe. Many men were far more cruelin their love life than this young boy had ever dreamed of being, and of course they were not necessarily hungfor that. And in passing technically24 on whether this boy had actually committed the crime charged, it wasincumbent upon this jury to see that no generous impulse relating to what this poor girl might have suffered inher love-relations with this youth be permitted to sway them to the belief or decision that for that this youth had committed the crime specifically stated in the indictment25. Who among both sexes were not cruel at times in theirlove life, the one to the other?
And then a long and detailed26 indictment of the purely27 circumstantial nature of the evidence--no single personhaving seen or heard anything of the alleged28 crime itself, whereas Clyde himself had explained most clearly howhe came to find himself in the peculiar29 situation in which he did find himself. And after that, a brushing aside ofthe incident of the folder30, as well as Clyde's not remembering the price of the boat at Big Bittern, his stopping tobury the tripod and his being so near Roberta and not aiding her, as either being mere31 accidents of chance, ormemory, or, in the case of his failing to go to her rescue, of his being dazed, confused, frightened--"hesitatingfatally but not criminally at the one time in his life when he should not have hesitated"--a really strong ifjesuitical plea which was not without its merits and its weight.
And then Mason, blazing with his conviction that Clyde was a murderer of the coldest and blackest type, andspending an entire day in riddling33 the "spider's tissue of lies and unsupported statements" with which the defensewas hoping to divert the minds of the jury from the unbroken and unbreakable chain of amply substantiatedevidence wherewith the prosecution had proved this "bearded man" to be the "red-handed murderer" that he was.
And with hours spent in retracing the statements of the various witnesses. And other hours in denouncing Clyde,or re-telling the bitter miseries34 of Roberta--so much so that the jury, as well as the audience, was once more onthe verge35 of tears. And with Clyde deciding in his own mind as he sat between Belknap and Jephson, that no jurysuch as this was likely to acquit36 him in the face of evidence so artfully and movingly recapitulated37.
And then Oberwaltzer from his high seat finally instructing the jury: "Gentlemen--all evidence is, in a strictsense, more or less circumstantial, whether consisting of facts which permit the inference of guilt38 or whethergiven by an eyewitness39. The testimony of an eyewitness is, of course, based upon circumstances.
"If any of the material facts of the case are at variance40 with the probability of guilt, it will be the duty of yougentlemen to give the defendant41 the benefit of the doubt raised.
"And it must be remembered that evidence is not to be discredited42 or decried43 because it is circumstantial. It mayoften be more reliable evidence than direct evidence.
"Much has been said here concerning motive44 and its importance in this case, but you are to remember that proofof motive is by no means indispensable or essential to conviction. While a motive may be shown as aCIRCUMSTANCE to aid in FIXING a crime, yet the people are not required to prove a motive.
"If the jury finds that Roberta Alden accidentally or involuntarily fell out of the boat and that the defendant madeno attempt to rescue her, that does not make the defendant guilty and the jury must find the defendant 'not guilty.'
On the other hand, if the jury finds that the defendant in any way, intentionally45, there and then brought about orcontributed to that fatal accident, either by a blow or otherwise, it must find the defendant guilty.
"While I do not say that you must agree upon your verdict, I would suggest that you ought not, any of you, placeyour minds in a position which will not yield if after careful deliberation you find you are wrong."So, Justice Oberwaltzer--solemnly and didactically from his high seat to the jury.
And then, that point having been reached, the jury rising and filing from the room at five in the afternoon. AndClyde immediately thereafter being removed to his cell before the audience proper was allowed to leave thebuilding. There was constant fear on the part of the sheriff that he might be attacked. And after that five longhours in which he waited, walking to and fro, to and fro, in his cell, or pretending to read or rest, the while Krautor Sissel, tipped by various representatives of the press for information as to how Clyde "took it" at this time,slyly and silently remained as near as possible to watch.
And in the meantime Justice Oberwaltzer and Mason and Belknap and Jephson, with their attendants and friends,in various rooms of the Bridgeburg Central Hotel, dining and then waiting impatiently, with the aid of a fewdrinks, for the jury to agree, and wishing and hoping that the verdict would be reached soon, whatever it mightbe.
And in the meantime the twelve men--farmers, clerks and storekeepers, re-canvassing for their own mentalsatisfaction the fine points made by Mason and Belknap and Jephson. Yet out of the whole twelve but one man-SamuelUpham, a druggist--(politically opposed to Mason and taken with the personality of Jephson)-sympathizingwith Belknap and Jephson. And so pretending that he had doubts as to the completeness ofMason's proof until at last after five ballots46 were taken he was threatened with exposure and the public rage andobloquy which was sure to follow in case the jury was hung. "We'll fix you. You won't get by with this withoutthe public knowing exactly where you stand." Whereupon, having a satisfactory drug business in NorthMansfield, he at once decided47 that it was best to pocket this opposition48 to Mason and agree.
Then four hollow knocks on the door leading from the jury room to the courtroom. It was the foreman of thejury, Foster Lund, a dealer49 in cement, lime and stone. His great fist was knocking. And at that the hundreds whohad crowded into the hot stuffy50 courtroom after dinner though many had not even left--stirred from the halfstupor into which they had fallen. "What's that? What's happened? Is the jury ready to report? What's theverdict?" And men and women and children starting up to draw nearer the excluding rail. And the two deputieson guard before the jury door beginning to call. "All right! All right! As soon as the judge comes." And thenother deputies hurrying to the prison over the way in order that the sheriff might be notified and Clyde broughtover--and to the Bridgeburg Central Hotel to summon Oberwaltzer and all the others. And then Clyde, in a halfstupor or daze32 from sheer loneliness and killing51 suspense52, being manacled to Kraut and led over between Slack,Sissel and others. And Oberwaltzer, Mason, Belknap and Jephson and the entire company of newspaper writers,artists, photographers and others entering and taking the places that they had occupied all these long weeks. AndClyde winking53 and blinking as he was seated behind Belknap and Jephson now--not with them, for as stoutlymanacled as he was to Kraut, he was compelled to sit by him. And then Oberwaltzer on the bench and the clerkin his place, the jury room door being opened and the twelve men filing solemnly in--quaint and varied54 figures inangular and for the most part much-worn suits of the ready-made variety. And as they did so, seating themselvesin the jury box, only to rise again at the command of the clerk, who began: "Gentlemen of the jury, have youagreed on a verdict?"--yet without one of them glancing in the direction of either Belknap or Jephson or Clyde,which Belknap at once interpreted as fatal.
"It's all off," he whispered to Jephson. "Against us. I can tell." And then Lund announcing: "We have. We findthe defendant guilty of murder in the first degree." And Clyde, entirely dazed and yet trying to keep his poise55 andremain serene56, gazing straight before him toward the jury and beyond, and with scarcely a blink of the eye. For had he not, in his cell the night before, been told by Jephson, who had found him deeply depressed57, that theverdict in this trial, assuming that it proved to be unfavorable, was of no consequence. The trial from start tofinish had been unfair. Prejudice and bias58 had governed its every step. Such bullying59 and browbeating60 andinnuendo as Mason had indulged in before the jury would never pass as fair or adequate in any higher court. Anda new trial--on appeal--would certainly be granted--although by whom such an appeal was to be conducted hewas not now prepared to discuss.
And now, recalling that, Clyde saying to himself that it did not so much matter perhaps, after all. It could not,really--or could it? Yet think what these words meant in case he could not get a new trial! Death! That is what itwould mean if this were final--and perhaps it was final. And then to sit in that chair he had seen in his mind's eyefor so long--these many days and nights when he could not force his mind to drive it away. Here it was againbefore him--that dreadful, ghastly chair--only closer and larger than ever before--there in the very center of thespace between himself and Justice Oberwaltzer. He could see it plainly now--squarish, heavy-armed, heavy-backed, some straps61 at the top and sides. God! Supposing no one would help him now! Even the Griffiths mightnot be willing to pay out any more money! Think of that! The Court of Appeals to which Jephson and Belknaphad referred might not be willing to help him either. And then these words would be final. They would! Theywould! God! His jaws62 moved slightly, then set--because at the moment he became conscious that they weremoving. Besides, at that moment Belknap was rising and asking for an individual poll of the jury, while Jephsonleaned over and whispered: "Don't worry about it. It isn't final. We'll get a reversal as sure as anything." Yet aseach of the jurors was saying: "Yes"--Clyde was listening to them, not to Jephson. Why should each one say thatwith so much emphasis? Was there not one who felt that he might not have done as Mason had said--struck herintentionally? Was there not one who even half-believed in that change of heart which Belknap and Jephson hadinsisted that he had experienced? He looked at them all--little and big. They were like a blackish-brown group ofwooden toys with creamish-brown or old ivory faces and hands. Then he thought of his mother. She would hearof this now, for here were all these newspaper writers and artists and photographers assembled to hear this. Andwhat would the Griffiths--his uncle and Gilbert--think now? And Sondra! Sondra! Not a word from her. Andthrough all this he had been openly testifying, as Belknap and Jcphson had agreed that he must do--to thecompelling and directing power of his passion for her--the real reason for all this! But not a word. And shewould not send him any word now, of course--she who had been going to marry him and give him everything!
But in the meantime the crowd about him silent although--or perhaps because--intensely satisfied. The little devilhadn't "gotten by." He hadn't fooled the twelve sane63 men of this county with all that bunk64 about a change ofheart. What rot! While Jephson sat and stared, and Belknap, his strong face written all over with contempt anddefiance, making his motions. And Mason and Burleigh and Newcomb and Redmond thinly repressing theirintense satisfaction behind masks preternaturally severe, the while Belknap continued with a request that thesentence be put off until the following Friday--a week hence, when he could more conveniently attend, but withJustice Oberwaltzer replying that he thought not--unless some good reason could be shown. But on the morrow,if counsel desired, he would listen to an argument. If it were satisfactory he would delay sentence--otherwise,pronounce it the following Monday.
Yet, even so, Clyde was not concerned with this argument at the moment. He was thinking of his mother andwhat she would think--feel. He had been writing her so regularly, insisting always that he was innocent and thatshe must not believe all, or even a part, of what she read an the newspapers. He was going to be acquitted65 sure.
He was going to go on the stand and testify for himself. But now . . . now . . . oh, he needed her now--so much.
Quite every one, as it seemed now, had forsaken66 him. He was terribly, terribly alone. And he must send her someword quickly. He must. He must. And then asking Jephson for a piece of paper and a pencil, he wrote: "Mrs. AsaGriffiths, care of Star of Hope Mission, Denver, Colorado. Dear mother--I am convicted--Clyde." And thenhanding that to Jephson, he asked him, nervously67 and weakly, if he would see that it was sent right away. "Rightaway, son, sure," replied Jephson, touched by his looks, and waving to a press boy who was near gave it to himtogether with the money.
And then, while this was going on, all the public exits being locked until Clyde, accompanied by Sissel andKraut, had been ushered68 through the familiar side entrance through which he had hoped to escape. And while allthe press and the public and the still-remaining jury gazing, for even yet they had not seen enough of Clyde butmust stare into his face to see how he was taking it. And because of the local feeling against him, JusticeOberwaltzer, at Slack's request, holding court un-adjourned until word was brought that Clyde was once morelocked in his cell, whereupon the doors were re-opened. And then the crowd surging out but only to wait at thecourtroom door in order to glimpse, as he passed out, Mason, who now, of all the figures in this case, was thetrue hero--the nemesis69 of Clyde--the avenger70 of Roberta. That he not appearing at first but instead Jephson andBelknap together, and not so much depressed as solemn, defiant--Jephson in particular, looking unconquerablycontemptuous. Then some one calling: "Well, you didn't get him off just the same," and Jephson replying, with ashrug of his shoulders, "Not yet, but this county isn't all of the law either." Then Mason, immediately afterward-aheavy, baggy71 overcoat thrown over his shoulder, his worn soft hat pulled low over his eyes--and followed byBurleigh, Heit, Newcomb and others as a royal train--while he walked in the manner of one entirely oblivious72 ofthe meaning or compliment of this waiting throng73. For was he not now a victor and an elected judge! And asinstantly being set upon by a circling, huzzahing mass--the while a score of those nearest sought to seize him bythe hand or place a grateful pat upon his arm or shoulder. "Hurrah74 for Orville!" "Good for you, Judge!" (his newor fast-approaching title). "By God! Orville Mason, you deserve the thanks of this county!" "Hy-oh! Heigh!
Heigh!" "Three cheers for Orville Mason!" And with that the crowd bursting into three resounding75 huzzahs-whichClyde in his cell could clearly hear and at the same time sense the meaning of.
They were cheering Mason for convicting him. In that large crowd out there there was not one who did notbelieve him totally and completely guilty. Roberta--her letters--her determination to make him marry her--hergiant fear of exposure--had dragged him down to this. To conviction. To death, maybe. Away from all he hadlonged for--away from all he had dreamed he might possess. And Sondra! Sondra! Not a word! Not a word! Andso now, fearing that Kraut or Sissel or some one might be watching (ready to report even now his every gesture),and not willing to show after all how totally collapsed76 and despondent77 he really was, he sat down and taking up amagazine pretended to read, the while he looked far, far beyond it to other scenes--his mother--his brother andsisters--the Griffiths--all he had known. But finding these unsubstantiated mind visions a little too much, hefinally got up and throwing off his clothes climbed into his iron cot.
"Convicted! Convicted!" And that meant that he must die! God! But how blessed to be able to conceal78 his faceupon a pillow and not let any one see--however accurately79 they might guess!
上次庭审尚未做完的事，就是由十一位见证人作证……其中四人为梅森一方作证，七人为克莱德一方作证。七人里头有一位是来自里霍贝思的索德医生，罗伯达的尸体被抬进船坞那天，他碰巧正在大比腾。现在他声称，他在那里察看过，而且检验过罗伯达的尸体。据他当时判断，她脸部这些伤痕，也许就象克莱德供认的，是在无意之中一砸所造成的。他又说，奥尔登小姐落水时，毫无疑问，还有知觉……并不是象公诉人要陪审团相信那样，早已失去了知觉……听了上述结论，梅森就盘问这位先生行医的经历，可惜得很，压根儿不过硬。
他在俄克拉何马州一所二流的医科学校毕业后，就一直在一个小镇上开业行医。
挨在这医生后面……跟克莱德被告发的罪状根本毫不相干……有一个住在冈洛奇附近。名叫塞缪尔。耶尔斯利的农民作证，说罗伯达的尸体从大比腾运往冈洛奇的那天，他恰好也走过这条路。现在，他煞有介事地发誓作证，说他在同一天早上走过的时候，看到这条路上都是坑坑洼洼……于是，盘问他的贝尔纳普就有理由指出，这至少就是造成罗伯达头部。脸部的伤势特别严重的原因。
可是这一条证词，后来却被梅森一方的见证人……替卢兹兄弟殡仪馆开车的那个司机驳倒了。此人也同样煞有介事地起誓作证，说他并没有发现这条路上有什么车辙或是坑坑洼洼。除此以外，还有利格特和惠甘作证说，就他们所觉察到或是能断定的来说，克莱德在格里菲思公司任职期间表现，一向忠于职守，确实难能可贵。他们没有发现他在业务上有过什么闪失。接下来有好几个无关紧要的见证人说，就他们所看到的，克莱德在上流社会的表现，可以说是非常审慎。规矩，而又小心。他们知道他并没有做过什么坏事。可是，天哪，梅森在反复讯问他们时，当即指出，他们从来没有听说过罗伯达。奥尔登其人其事，乃至于她的惨亡，连克莱德跟她有来往，他们也都一概不知道。
许许多多虽属细微末节，但跟生死攸关的难点，经过双方尽心尽力，最后或是通过去了，或是得到了支持，或是干脆给推翻了，这时总算轮到贝尔纳普替克莱德进行最后的辩护了。他申辩了整整一天，按照他头一次出庭辩论的调子，非常小心地把每一点都重述了一遍，强调指出，克莱德怎样天真无邪地。
几乎不自觉地跟罗伯达结识交往，最后两人却落得如此可悲的下场。现在，贝尔纳普再一次重申说，正是克莱德自幼起家境贫寒，激发了。至少也是影响了他思想上。道德上的懦怯。加上后来有了一些新的机遇，正是他过去从来梦想不到的，这才影响了他那"也许是太柔顺。太好色。太不实际和太爱幻想的心灵"。
他对待奥尔登小姐，毫无疑问，不是正大光明的。这是毋庸置疑的。他确实不是光明正大的。不过，从另一方面……正如被告的辩护律师诱导出来的供词彰明昭著地说明……到了最后关头，他并没有象公诉人希望公众和可敬的陪审团所相信的那么残忍，或是那么邪恶。天底下就有许许多多男人，他们在恋爱生活中所表现的残忍，远远不是这个几乎稚气未脱的孩子所能梦想到的。当然罗，他们也并不见得因此都被绞死。从法律观点来看，这个孩子是否确实犯了已被控告的罪行，陪审团列位先生必须特别清醒地看到:
公众对这个可怜的姑娘由于跟这个年轻人谈恋爱而惨遭丧生一事极为愤慨，可是决不能逼使陪审团确信或是认定，好象这个年轻人就犯了起诉书上明确提出的罪行。在两性之间恋爱生活里，类似这一方对另一方残忍的这种事情，有时候不是常常见到吗?
接下来是贝尔纳普通过一段冗长。详细的分析，说明本案证据性质纯属间接证据……这一项断然被宣称的罪状所列举的，哪一件事都不是某某一个人亲自看见过或听见过的，只有克莱德本人能把他当时所处的异乎寻常的情况解释得极其清清楚楚。至于旅游指南一事，克莱德记不得大比腾租船费的问题，又把三脚架藏匿起来，以及距离罗伯达这么近，但没有去搭救她等等问题，贝尔纳普都是一概置之不理，或者用他的话来说，仅仅是碰巧小事一桩，或者干脆说是记不起来了。至于克莱德没有去搭救罗伯达一事，贝尔纳普就说当时克莱德自己头晕目眩，心慌意乱，吓懵了……"正好在他一生中断断乎不该迟疑的时候，他致命地迟疑了一下，但并不能说因此就犯了罪，"……这确实是一个强有力的。哪怕是阴险狡猾的呼吁，但是这种呼吁也不见得没有价值。没有分量。
随后是梅森发言，他坚信克莱德就是最冷酷。最凶恶的那一类杀人犯。他花了整整一天的时间，揭穿了那个"由谎言和站不住脚的论点组成的圈套"。被告一方及其辩护律师希望借此分散陪审团注意力，不去查看那一连串分不开也击不破的。早已经过充分查证的。过得硬的罪证，而公诉人已经根据这些罪证，证明这个"有胡子的成年人"是一个"血手淋漓的杀人犯";事实上，他就是这类货色。他又花了好几个钟头，把各种不同的见证人的话重述了一遍。接着，他又花了好几个钟头痛斥克莱德，或是重述了一遍罗伯达那个悲切动人的故事……那么令人动怜，陪审团和听众眼泪几乎又是夺眶而出。克莱德坐在贝尔纳普和杰夫森之间，暗自思忖:
这些证据经过如此巧妙而动人地重述一遍以后，看来陪审团怎么也不可能宣告他无罪了。
接着是奥伯沃泽从他那高高的法官座位上向陪审团临别留言:
"列位先生……所有的证据，严格说来，或多或少都是间接证据，不管是推断出来有罪的事实也好，还是由一个目击者所提供的事实也好。要知道一个目击者作证，当然，是以情况为根据的。
"如果说本案具有实质性的哪一个事实跟犯罪的可能性不符，那末，你们列位先生就有责任，要作善意解释，假定被告无辜，对他作出虽可疑但无罪的处理。
"但是必须记住，所有的证据决不因为是间接证据就不被信任或是被推翻。
有时候间接证据也许比直接证据更加可靠。
"至于犯罪动机及其在本案中的重要性，在庭上已经谈到很多了。不过，你们必须记住，有关动机的证词，决不是定罪所必不可少的或者是基本的条件。
尽管某一个动机可以说明一种情况，有助于确定一条罪状，可是并不要求人们都去证实这个动机。
"如果陪审团认定罗伯达。奥尔登是意外地，或是不自觉地从船上落了水，而被告并没有设法去搭救她。这并不意味着被告犯了罪，陪审团也就必须认定被告'
''''无罪，。从另一方面说，如果陪审团认定:
被告在当时当地是通过任何一种方式(不管是一砸也好，还是别的什么方式也好)蓄意造成，或是促成这次致命的事件，那末，陪审团也就必须认定被告有罪。
"我并不是说你们必须在判决时保持全体一致，但我愿意奉劝你们里头任何一位，要是在仔细考虑之后，发现自己错了，可千万不要过分固执，还不肯让步。"奥伯沃泽法官就这样在他那高高的法官座位上，庄严地向陪审团作了一番训话。
法官讲话一结束，已是下午五点钟，陪审团就纷纷站了起来，从法庭大厅鱼贯而出。稍后，克莱德当即被押回到他的牢房，这时听众方才准许离开法庭大厅。执法官一直心事重重，唯恐克莱德也许有可能遭到突然袭击。克莱德在等待中熬过了这漫长的五个钟头之后，他就在牢房里不断地走来走去，或是佯装着在看书，歇息。克劳特和西塞尔拿了各报记者的小费，要把克莱德"受不受得了"的反映通报他们，就一声不响地尽可能守在一旁，观察着囚犯的动静。
在这同一时刻，奥伯沃泽法官。梅森。贝尔纳普。杰夫森，还有他们的随从和朋友们，正在布里奇伯格中央旅馆各自房间里用餐，喝一点儿酒，焦急地等着陪审团取得一致的意见，巴不得当即作出判决来，不管它究竟是怎么样一个判决。
在这同一时刻，那十二位陪审员……农民。店员。掌柜等等，他们为了让自己心安理得起见，又开始详详细细地讨论了梅森。贝尔纳普。杰夫森所提出的那些精辟论点。不过，在这十二人里头，只有一个人……塞缪尔。厄珀姆，一家杂货铺掌柜……此人的政见与梅森相左，因此对杰夫森印象极佳……同情贝尔纳普和杰夫森，于是，他就佯装对梅森的证据是不是反驳不倒心中还表示怀疑。投了五次票以后，其他陪审员就威胁此人说，万一陪审团意见不能达成一致，依然作不出决定来，他们就要告发他，也必然会激起公众愤慨与痛骂。"我们要打垮你。公众准知道你的态度如何，你休想混过去。"好在他开设在北曼斯菲尔德的杂货铺，反正生意不错，他就马上决定，最好还是把反对梅森的意见掖进自己口袋里，权且表示赞同吧。
接着，从陪审团室通往法庭大厅的那道门上，一连四次响起了敲门声。这是首席陪审员福斯特。伦德，此人专做水泥。石灰和石料生意，正抡起他的大拳头在敲门。饭后挤在这又热又闷的法庭大厅里的数百名听众(反正有很多人压根儿还一步没有离开过那儿哩)一下子都从昏昏欲睡中突然惊醒过来。"怎么啦?
出了什么事?
是陪审团准备提出报告了?
怎么判决的?
"男的。女的，还有小孩子，突然都拥向靠近栏杆的地方。守在陪审团室门口的两名法警大声喊道:
"得了!
得了!
法官一会儿就到。"另有一些法警急匆匆奔到牢房去通知执法官把克莱德押解过来……还有一些法警则赶到布里奇伯格中央旅馆，通知奥伯沃泽法官等一行人。这时，克莱德不仅因为孑然一身，而且心里又是怕得要死，几乎茫然若失，或是头晕目眩，就被克劳特戴上了手铐，由斯拉克和西塞尔等人押走了。奥伯沃泽。梅森。贝尔纳普。杰夫森，还有所有新闻记者。画家。摄影记者和其他一些人也都入场，各自坐到几周以来他们常坐的座位上。克莱德两眼老是眨巴着，正坐在贝尔纳普和杰夫森后面……而不是跟他们并排坐在一起了。因为，现在他已被克劳特牢牢地戴上了手铐，所以不能不跟克劳特坐在一起。一俟奥伯沃泽坐到他的法官座位上，录事也坐到自己的座位上，陪审团室的门就打开了，十二位陪审员煞有介事地鱼贯而入……他们都是古里古怪的各色人等，绝大多数身上穿着破旧不堪的。从店里买来的现成服装。他们一进来后，便在陪审席上落了座，但一听到录事说:
"陪审团列位先生，你们对判决的意见达成了一致吗?
"他们又纷纷站了起来，不过，他们里头没有一个人朝贝尔纳普或杰夫森或克莱德这边看一眼，贝尔纳普马上意识到这结论是致命的。
"全垮了，"他对杰夫森低声耳语说。"是反对我们的。我敢打赌说。"接着，伦德宣布说:
"我们已达成了一致的意见。我们认定被告犯了杀人罪。"克莱德完全怔住了，但还是尽量控制自己，佯装表面镇静，两眼几乎眨也不眨地直盯住前面的陪审团和远处。因为，就在昨天晚上，杰夫森到牢房里来，看见他心情非常沮丧，就对他说过，万一判决对他不利，也没有什么了不起。要知道，这次审判自始至终不公正。每一个步骤都受到偏见和偏心的支配。梅森当着陪审团的面，如此大肆威吓，指桑骂槐，对此，任何高一级的法院决不会认为是公正的，就是适当的。请求复审是一定会批准的……虽然现在杰夫森还不打算谈论由谁来提出上诉。
现在，克莱德一想起杰夫森这些话，就暗自思忖，也许这个判决压根儿没有什么了不起。说实在的，这不会有什么了不起……或者，还是会有关系呢?
不过，想一想，要是不能复审，那末，刚才说的这些话，其后果又如何呢!
死!
那就意味着死，如果这是最终判决的话……也许这就是最终判决哩。那时他得坐上那张电椅……这一幻影许多个日日夜夜早就在他脑际时隐时现，他怎么也没法把它从自己心头里撵出去。如今，那张电椅又在他面前出现了……那张可怕的。
恐怖的电椅……只是比过去更逼近，显得更大了……就在他跟奥伯沃泽法官相隔的这段距离的中间。现在，克莱德清清楚楚地看到了这张电椅……方方正正的外形，宽宽的扶手，厚厚的靠背，椅子顶端和两旁都有好几根带子。天哪，万一如今谁都不肯搭救他呢!
即便是格里菲思家吧，说不定现在再也不愿花更多的钱了!
那可要仔细想一想!
杰夫森和贝尔纳普提到的上诉法院，说不定也不肯帮他的忙。那末，刚才说的这些话，就要成为最终判决了。完了!
完了!
老天哪!
他的上下颚在微微发颤，但他一发觉便又马上咬紧。就在这时，贝尔纳普站起来了解每一个陪审员投票表决的情况。而杰夫森侧过身子去向克莱德低声耳语道:
"别担心。这可不是最终判决。也许我们能把它撤销了。"但当陪审员一个个都说"同意"的时候……克莱德听到的只是他们的话，而不是杰夫森的话。为什么他们个个都这么坚决表示同意呢?
难道连一个人都没有想到:
也许克莱德并不象梅森所说的那样是故意砸了她?
对于贝尔纳普和杰夫森坚称克莱德曾经回心转意的说法，难道说他们里头连一个半信半疑的人都没有吗?
他看了他们一眼，他们里头既有小个儿，也有大块头。他们就象一堆深褐色的木偶，脸和手都是淡褐色的，或是古旧象牙色的。随后，他想到了自己的母亲。这一切她也会听到了。因为所有这些新闻记者。画家。摄影记者，目前都麇集在这里听最终判决的消息。
格里菲思家……他伯父和吉尔伯特……现在会怎么想呢?
还有桑德拉!
桑德拉!
她连一个字都没有捎来。他一直在这里法庭上公开作证，正如贝尔纳普和杰夫森向他鼓励的那样，说明他对桑德拉那种不可抗拒。主宰一切的狂恋，乃是造成这一切的真正原因，可是她连一个字都没有捎来。当然罗，现在她再也不会捎一个字给他了……而她原来想要跟他结婚，把自己一切全都奉献给他的!
不过这时候，周围群众深感满意，虽然他们鸦雀无声，也许正是因为深感满意他们才鸦雀无声。他这个小魔鬼没能"逃掉"。他编的回心转意那一套鬼话，毕竟骗不了代表本县的这十二位头脑清醒的人呀。多蠢呀!
这时，杰夫森坐在席位上，两眼直瞪着前方;贝尔纳普那张刚毅的脸上，露出轻蔑和挑战的神色，正在酝酿新的动议。梅森和伯利。纽科姆。雷德蒙掩饰不住在他们佯装异常严肃的假面具背后那种极端满意的神情。这时，贝尔纳普正在继续要求让宣判推迟到下星期五……也就是一周以后，这样对他届时出庭可以更方便些。但奥伯沃泽法官回答说，他认为没有必要……除非能提出充分的理由来。不过，要是被告辩护律师觉得合适的话，明天他不妨可以听听庭上辩论。如果辩论结果令人满意，他就可以推迟宣判……否则下星期一如期宣判。
可是，尽管这样，现在克莱德对这种辩论并不是怎么关心的。他心里正惦着自己的母亲，她会怎么想，她会有怎样的感受。最近他经常给她写信，始终坚持说他自己没有罪，还希望她对报刊上看到的那些东西，哪怕是极小一部分，也都不要相信。他肯定是会无罪获释的。他准备亲自走上证人席，给自己作证。
可是，现在……现在……啊，现在他需要她……多么需要她呀。现在看来，差不多每一个人都把他抛弃了。如今他孑然一身，孤独得要死呀。他非得立即给她捎个信去。他非得给她捎信不可。他非得给她捎信不可。于是，他向杰夫森要了一张纸。一支铅笔，写道:
"科罗拉多州丹佛'
''''希望之星，传道馆阿萨。格里菲思太太。亲爱的妈妈……我已给定罪了……克莱德。"然后把这张条子递给杰夫森，紧张不安而又轻声轻气地问他能不能马上把这封信发出去。"当然罗，孩子，马上就发，"杰夫森回答说。他被克莱德的可怜相感动了，挥手招呼附近一个报童，把这张条子和电报费一并交给了他。
在这同一个时刻，所有的出口处全都上了锁，要等到在西塞尔。克劳特看押下让克莱德从他一直巴不得从那里逃出去的那个熟悉的边门提出去以后，方才启锁敞开。各报记者。听众，以及还留在庭上的陪审员们，他们两眼全都盯住他。因为，即使到了此刻，他们对克莱德也没有看够，还要盯住他的脸，看看他对判决究竟作出什么反应。由于当地公众极端敌视克莱德，奥伯沃泽法官应斯拉克的要求，宣布暂不退庭，待到消息传来说克莱德已被押回牢房之后，方才让所有的门敞开。接着，听众都向出口处拥去，但是，他们仍都等候在法庭大厅门口，想在梅森出来的时候一睹他的丰采。在跟本案有关的所有人物里头，现在梅森已成为一个真正的英雄了。他让克莱德受到了应有的惩罚，替罗伯达报了仇。殊不知先出来的并不是他梅森，倒是杰夫森和贝尔纳普。瞧他们的神情，与其说是垂头丧气，还不如说是严峻而又富于挑战性……特别是杰夫森，露出决不屈服和蔑视一切的神态。这时，有人大声喊道:
"喂，到头来你还是没能让他逍遥法外呀。"杰夫森耸耸肩，回答说:
"暂时还没有，反正最后判决也不全是这个县说了算的。"紧接着他们之后，梅森走了出来，肩上披着一件鼓鼓囊囊的厚大衣，那顶旧呢帽拉得低低的，快要遮住眼睛，后面跟着伯利。海特。
纽科姆等一行人，有如御前侍卫一般。他走路时的神态，好象压根儿没觉察到这些鹄望等候的群众就是专诚向他致敬。现在他不就是一个胜利者，一个当选了的法官吗!
刹那间，四周欢呼叫好的群众朝他围拢来，贴近他身旁的那些人或是拉住他的手，或是拍拍他的肩膀，表示感激。
"奥维尔万岁!
""你真是好样的，法官!
"(他这个崭新的，也可以说，转眼要变成习以为常的头衔。)"奥维尔。梅森，的的确确，全县应该感谢你!
""嗨……好啊!
真帅!
真帅!
""为奥维尔。梅森欢呼万岁万岁……!
"于是，群众马上高声连呼三声万岁，连克莱德在牢房里都听得很清楚，并且也懂得这意味着什么。
人们正在向梅森欢呼致敬，因为梅森已给他定了罪。在外头那么一大群人里头，没有一个人不相信克莱德是彻头彻尾有罪的。是罗伯达……是她的那些信……是她逼着他跟她结婚的那种决心……是她深怕丑事张扬出去……才使他落到了这样的下场。定了罪。说不定要死。他一直渴望着的一切……他曾经梦想享受的一切，现在全都失去了。还有桑德拉!
桑德拉!
连一个字也没有给他捎来!
连一个字也没有给他捎来!
这时，他既害怕也许克劳特或是西塞尔或是别人在监视他(即便到了此刻，他们还要把他的一举一动向上报告)，他又不愿让人看到自己确实是如何灰心丧气。绝望透顶的样子。因此，他就坐了下来，随手拿来一本杂志，佯装在翻看，实际上，他却在凝望着远方，他看到的正是:
他的母亲。
他的弟弟和姐妹们。格里菲思一家人，以及所有他熟识的人。可是这些虚无缥缈的心中幻影啊，他委实受不了，最后就站了起来，把衣服脱掉，爬到自己铁床上去。
"定了罪!
定了罪!
"这就意味着，他非死不可!
天哪!
不过，要是能让脸儿埋在枕头里，谁都看不见……不管他们猜测得有多么准确……也是多么幸福啊!
收听单词发音 |
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testimony
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| n.证词；见证，证明 | |
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alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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lodge
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| v.临时住宿，寄宿，寄存，容纳；n.传达室，小旅馆 | |
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whatsoever
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| adv.（用于否定句中以加强语气）任何；pron.无论什么 | |
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attentive
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| adj.注意的，专心的；关心(别人)的，殷勤的 | |
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minor
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| adj.较小(少)的，较次要的；n.辅修学科；vi.辅修 | |
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circumspect
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| adj.慎重的，谨慎的 | |
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buttressed
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| v.用扶壁支撑，加固( buttress的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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fended
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| v.独立生活，照料自己( fend的过去式和过去分词 )；挡开，避开 | |
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retracing
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| v.折回( retrace的现在分词 )；回忆；回顾；追溯 | |
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disastrously
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| ad.灾难性地 | |
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cowardice
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| n.胆小，怯懦 | |
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reiterated
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| 反复地说，重申( reiterate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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inflamed
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| adj.发炎的，红肿的v.（使）变红，发怒，过热( inflame的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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previously
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| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
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affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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pliable
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| adj.易受影响的；易弯的；柔顺的，易驾驭的 | |
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impractical
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| adj.不现实的，不实用的，不切实际的 | |
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confession
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| n.自白，供认，承认 | |
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defense
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| n.防御，保卫；[pl.]防务工事；辩护，答辩 | |
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vile
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| adj.卑鄙的，可耻的，邪恶的；坏透的 | |
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prosecution
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| n.起诉，告发，检举，执行，经营 | |
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technically
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| adv.专门地，技术上地 | |
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indictment
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| n.起诉；诉状 | |
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detailed
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| adj.详细的，详尽的，极注意细节的，完全的 | |
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purely
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| adv.纯粹地，完全地 | |
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alleged
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| a.被指控的，嫌疑的 | |
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peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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folder
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| n.纸夹，文件夹 | |
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mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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daze
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| v.(使)茫然，(使)发昏 | |
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riddling
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| adj.谜一样的，解谜的n.筛选 | |
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miseries
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| n.痛苦( misery的名词复数 )；痛苦的事；穷困；常发牢骚的人 | |
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verge
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| n.边，边缘；v.接近，濒临 | |
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acquit
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| vt.宣判无罪；(oneself)使(自己)表现出 | |
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recapitulated
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| v.总结，扼要重述( recapitulate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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guilt
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| n.犯罪；内疚；过失，罪责 | |
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eyewitness
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| n.目击者，见证人 | |
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variance
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| n.矛盾，不同 | |
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defendant
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| n.被告；adj.处于被告地位的 | |
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discredited
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| 不足信的，不名誉的 | |
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decried
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| v.公开反对，谴责( decry的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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motive
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| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
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intentionally
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| ad.故意地，有意地 | |
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ballots
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| n.投票表决( ballot的名词复数 )；选举；选票；投票总数v.（使）投票表决( ballot的第三人称单数 ) | |
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decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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opposition
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| n.反对，敌对 | |
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dealer
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| n.商人，贩子 | |
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stuffy
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| adj.不透气的，闷热的 | |
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killing
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| n.巨额利润；突然赚大钱，发大财 | |
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suspense
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| n.（对可能发生的事）紧张感，担心，挂虑 | |
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winking
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| n.瞬眼，目语v.使眼色( wink的现在分词 )；递眼色（表示友好或高兴等）；（指光）闪烁；闪亮 | |
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varied
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| adj.多样的，多变化的 | |
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poise
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| vt./vi. 平衡，保持平衡；n.泰然自若，自信 | |
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serene
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| adj. 安详的，宁静的，平静的 | |
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depressed
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| adj.沮丧的，抑郁的，不景气的，萧条的 | |
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bias
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| n.偏见，偏心，偏袒；vt.使有偏见 | |
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bullying
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| v.恐吓，威逼( bully的现在分词 )；豪；跋扈 | |
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browbeating
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| v.（以言辞或表情）威逼，恫吓( browbeat的现在分词 ) | |
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straps
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| n.带子( strap的名词复数 )；挎带；肩带；背带v.用皮带捆扎( strap的第三人称单数 )；用皮带抽打；包扎；给…打绷带 | |
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jaws
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| n.口部；嘴 | |
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sane
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| adj.心智健全的，神志清醒的，明智的，稳健的 | |
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bunk
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| n.(车、船等倚壁而设的)铺位；废话 | |
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acquitted
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| 宣判…无罪( acquit的过去式和过去分词 )； 使（自己）作出某种表现 | |
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Forsaken
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| adj. 被遗忘的, 被抛弃的 动词forsake的过去分词 | |
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nervously
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| adv.神情激动地，不安地 | |
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ushered
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| v.引，领，陪同( usher的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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nemesis
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| n.给以报应者，复仇者，难以对付的敌手 | |
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avenger
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| n. 复仇者 | |
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baggy
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| adj.膨胀如袋的，宽松下垂的 | |
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oblivious
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| adj.易忘的，遗忘的，忘却的，健忘的 | |
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throng
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| n.人群，群众；v.拥挤，群集 | |
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hurrah
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| int.好哇，万岁，乌拉 | |
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resounding
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| adj. 响亮的 | |
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collapsed
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| adj.倒塌的 | |
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despondent
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| adj.失望的，沮丧的，泄气的 | |
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conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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accurately
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| adv.准确地，精确地 | |
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