In addition to all this, his behavior, when the matter was first publicly noticed, was exactly such as coincides with the supposition of his guilt.

I think you will all agree in considering these grounds of suspicion very strong; and leaving them to carry their full weight with you, I close the case for the prosecution." The school listened to Gibson's quiet formality with a kind of grim and gloomy satisfaction, and when he had concluded, there were probably few but Eric's own immediate friends who were not fully convinced of his guilt, however sorry they might be to admit so unfavorable an opinion of a companion whom they all admired.
After a minute or two, Russell rose for the defence, and asked, "Has Williams any objection to his desk being brought, and any of its contents put in as evidence ?" "Not the least; there is the key, and you will find it in my place in school." The desk was brought, but it was found to be already unlocked, and Russell looked at some of the note-paper which it contained.

He then began--"In spite of the evidence adduced, I think I can show that Williams is not guilty.

It is quite true that he dislikes Mr.Gordon, and would not object to any open way of showing it; it is quite true that he used the expressions attributed to him, and that the ink and wafers are such as may be found in his desk, and that the handwriting is not unlike his.

But is it probable that a boy intending to post up an insult such as this, would do so in a manner, and at a time so likely to involve him in immediate detection, and certain punishment?
At any rate, he would surely disguise his usual handwriting.