"
"It is an intolerable and monstrous falsehood!" cried I,
interrupting, him. "I never laid a hand on a woman to take away
her life, and have even shunned their society from my childhood.
I know nothing of my mother's exit; nor of that young lady's
whom you mention. Nothing whatever."
"I hope it is so," said he. "But it seems there are some strong
presumptuous proofs against you, and I came to warn you this
day that a precognition is in progress, and that unless you are
perfectly convinced, not only of your innocence but of your
ability to prove it, it will be the safest course for you to abscond,
and let the trial go on without you."
"Never shall it be said that I shrunk from such a trial as this," said
I. "It would give grounds for suspicions of guilt that never had
existence, even in thought. I will go and show myself in every
public place, that no slanderous tongue may wag against me. I
have shed the blood of sinners, but of these deaths I am guiltless;
therefore I will face every tribunal, and put all my accusers
down."
"Asseveration will avail you but little," answered he,
composedly. "It is, however, justifiable in its place, although to
me it signifies nothing, who know too well that you did commit
both crimes, in your own person, and with your own hands.
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