There did not seem to be the remotest chance of saving Dick from the
gallows.
The testimony of the two prisoners would have but little weight with a
jury, and there were no extenuating circumstances behind which he
could go in support of his plea for leniency. The prisoners had
revealed to him their motive in visiting Broadso's place, going quite
fully into the details of the interview which ended in the shooting.
David's surprise and horror on learning these hitherto unmentioned
facts can well be imagined.
"Personally," said the lawyer, "I am inclined to the opinion that Dick
Cronk tells the truth when he says Grand drew a revolver on him and
that he shot in self-defense. If we can make the jury see it in that
light there may be some chance for him. That is the defense I shall
offer, in any event. The state, however, is in a position to make
light of the plea, and with tremendous effect. It is just as plausible
a theory that Grand himself drew in self-defense. The fact that Cronk
fired and Grand did not will go far toward substantiating that theory
in the minds of intelligent jurors. It is not at all likely that
Grand, who knew the character of his visitors, could be forestalled in
a shooting affair, especially if he had been the first to draw.
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