His hands
slowly clenched, his muscles tightened, in a spasm of anguish. God, why
hadn't he recognized the desperation in Essie's quivering face! It would
have been already too late, he added in thought; it went back, back--
A knock sounded discreetly on the door: and, opening it, he saw a young
man, remembered as a law student in Stephen's office. "They are ready
for you, sir, at the City Hall," he stated, in an over-emphasized,
professional calm.
XXI
The restrained curiosity and inaudible comments which greeted his
passage through the lower floor of the hotel gave place to a livelier
interest when he was readily recognized on the street. The news of the
murder had, evidently, already become city property. He was indicated to
individuals unaware of his identity, with a rapid sketch of the crime,
of fabulous ascribed possessions, and hinted oriental indulgence. He
strode on rapidly, his shoulders squared, his expression contemptuous,
challenging; but within he was possessed by an apprehension increasing
at every step. It was not, fortunately, far from Sanderson's Hotel to
the City Hall; west on Chestnut Street they reached their destination at
the following corner. The loungers from the trees before the State House
had gathered, with an increasing mob aware of the hearing within, at the
entrance to the municipal offices.
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