CHAPTER XXX.
MR. BLESSING'S TESTIMONY.
On entering the court-room Mr. Blessing had gone to Joseph, given his hand a long, significant grasp, and looked in his face with an expression of triumph, almost of exultation. The action was not lost upon the spectators or the jury, and even Joseph felt that it was intended to express the strongest faith in his innocence.
When the name was called there was a movement in the crowd, and a temporary crush in some quarters, as the people thrust forward their heads to see and listen. Mr. Blessing, bland, dignified, serene, feeling that he was the central point of interest, waited until quiet had been restored, slightly turning his head to either side, as if to summon special attention to what he should say.
After being sworn, and stating his name, he thus described his occupation:—
"I hold a position under government; nominally, it is a Deputy Inspectorship in the Custom-House, yet it possesses a confidential I might say, if modesty did not prevent, an advisory—character."
"In other words, a Ward Politician!" said Mr. Spenham.
"I must ask the prosecuting attorney," Mr. Blessing blandly suggested, "not to define my place according to his own political experiences."
There was a general smile at these words; and a very
