He sketched both rapidly, not taking three minutes to do it, but had he been pleading for his own life, he could not have spoken more earnestly nor feelingly.
The Governor first looked surprised at Peter's abruptness; then weary; then interested; and finally turned his revolving chair so as to put his back to Peter.

And after Peter had ended his account, he remained so for a moment.

That back was very expressive to Peter.

For the first time he felt vanquished.
But suddenly the Governor turned, and Peter saw tears on his cheek.

And he said, after a big swallow, "What do you want of me ?" in a voice that meant everything to Peter.
"Will you listen to me for five minutes ?" asked Peter, eagerly.
"Yes." Than Peter read aloud a statement of the legal proceedings, and of his interviews with the District Attorney and with Dummer, in the clearest and most compact sentences he had been able to frame.
"You want me to interfere ?" asked the Governor.
"Yes." "I'm afraid it's not possible.