A groan escaped from poor Potter, and he put his face in his hands and
rocked his body softly to and fro, while a painful silence reigned
in the courtroom. Many men were moved, and many women s compassion
testified itself in tears. Counsel for the defence rose and said:
Your honor, in our remarks at the opening of this trial, we
foreshadowed our purpose to prove that our client did this fearful deed
while under the influence of a blind and irresponsible delirium produced
by drink. We have changed our mind. We shall not offer that plea. [Then
to the clerk:] Call Thomas Sawyer!
A puzzled amazement awoke in every face in the house, not even excepting
Potter s. Every eye fastened itself with wondering interest upon Tom as
he rose and took his place upon the stand. The boy looked wild enough,
for he was badly scared. The oath was administered.
Thomas Sawyer, where were you on the seventeenth of June, about the
hour of midnight?
Tom glanced at Injun Joe s iron face and his tongue failed him. The
audience listened breathless, but the words refused to come. After a few
moments, however, the boy got a little of his strength back, and managed
to put enough of it into his voice to make part of the house hear:
In the graveyard!
A little bit louder, please. Don t be afraid. You were
In the graveyard.
A contemptuous smile flitted across Injun Joe s face.
Were you anywhere near Horse Williams grave?
Yes, sir.
Speak up just a trifle louder. How near were you?
Near as I am to you.
151