There were more who wished to be
sworn than there was time to hear. Mr. Beane called only Mr.
Hooper, Mr. Tomkins and Luke's Sunday-school teacher. Then he
called Luke to testify in his own defense.
Luke told a straightforward story--the same that he had told
before--replying readily and easily to any questions that were
asked him.
"I submit, Squire Duncan," said Mr. Beane, "that my client's
statement is plain and frank and explains everything. I hold that
it exonerates him from all suspicion of complicity with the robbery."
"I differ with you," said Squire Duncan, acidly. "It is a wild,
improbable tale, that does not even do credit to the prisoner's
invention. In my opinion, this mysterious stranger has no existence.
Is there any one besides himself who has seen this Roland Reed?"
At this moment there was a little confusion at the door.
A tall, dark-complexioned stranger pushed his way into the
court-room. He advanced quickly to the front.
"I heard my name called," he said. "There is no occasion to
doubt my existence. I am Roland Reed!"
CHAPTER XIV
AN IMPORTANT WITNESS
The effect of Roland Reed's sudden appearance in the court-room,
close upon the doubt expressed as to his existence, was electric.
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