"In plain English," the foreman rejoined, "I refuse to answer
that question."

"Why?"

"Because it is no part of my duty to attempt to influence the
verdict."

"You have been trying to influence the verdict, sir, ever since
you entered this room. I appeal to all the gentlemen present."

The patience of the long-suffering foreman failed him at last.
"Not another word shall pass my lips," he said, "until you find
the prisoner guilty or not guilty among yourselves--and then I'll
tell you if I agree to your verdict."

He folded his arms, and looked like the image of a man who
intended to keep his word.

The hungry juryman laid himself back in his chair, and groaned.
The amateur artist, who had thus far found a fund of amusement in
his blotting-paper, yawned discontentedly and dropped his pen.
The courteous gentleman who suffered from fidgets requested leave
to walk up and down the room; and at the first turn he took woke
the drowsy little man, and maddened the irritable invalid by the
creaking of his boots. The chorus of five, further than ever from
arriving at an opinion of their own, looked at the silent
juryman. Once more he smiled mysteriously; and once more he
offered an explanation of what was passing in his mind--except