which the Mexican knife, found on the prisoner, fitted perfectly.
These articles were introduced in evidence, and it was shown that
the slit would be exactly over the heart of the wearer, and that
such a wound would certainly result in death. There was much blood
on one of the chairs and on the floor. There was also blood on the
prisoner's coat and the leg of his trousers, and the heavy Mexican
knife was also bloody. The blood was shown by the experts to be
human blood.

The body of the woman was not found, and the most rigid and
tireless search failed to develop the slightest trace of the
corpse, or the manner of its disposal. The body of the woman had
disappeared as completely as though it had vanished into the air.

When counsel announced that he had closed for the People, the judge
turned and looked gravely down at Mason. "Sir," he said, "the
evidence for the defense may now be introduced."

Randolph Mason arose slowly and faced the judge.

"If your Honor please," he said, speaking slowly and distinctly,
"the defendant has no evidence to offer." He paused while a murmur
of astonishment ran over the court room. "But, if your Honor
please," he continued, "I move that the jury be directed to find
the prisoner not guilty."

The crowd stirred. The counsel for the People smiled. The judge
looked sharply at the speaker over his glasses. "On what ground?"
he said curtly.