"
This terrible accusation, terribly emphasised, caused no change in
Albert's features. He preserved the same firm bearing, without bravado.
"Before God," he answered, "and by all that is most sacred on earth,
I swear to you, sir, that I am innocent! I am at this moment a
close prisoner, without communication with the outer world, reduced
consequently to the most absolute helplessness. It is through your
probity that I hope to demonstrate my innocence."
"What an actor!" thought the magistrate. "Can crime be so strong as
this?"
He glanced over his papers, reading certain passages of the preceding
depositions, turning down the corners of certain pages which contained
important information. Then suddenly he resumed, "When you were
arrested, you cried out, 'I am lost,' what did you mean by that?"
"Sir," replied Albert, "I remember having uttered those words. When I
knew of what crime I was accused, I was overwhelmed with consternation.
My mind was, as it were, enlightened by a glimpse of the future. In a
moment, I perceived all the horror of my situation. I understood the
weight of the accusation, its probability, and the difficulties I
should have in defending myself.
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