The jury was already back in the box and standing to render their decision.

The clerk rapped for order and turned to the foreman.
"Gentlemen of the jury, have you agreed upon a verdict ?" he intoned.
"We have," answered the foreman unhesitatingly.
"How say you, do you find the defendants guilty or not guilty ?" "We find both of them guilty!" replied the foreman.
A slight shiver passed through Gottlieb's little body and for a moment the blood sang in my ears.

No man can receive a verdict of guilty unperturbed, no matter how confidently expected.

The crowd murmured their approval and the judge rapped for silence.
"Are you ready for sentence ?" asked the judge.
We nodded.

It was useless to prolong the agony.
"I have nothing to say to you," remarked the judge, "in addition to what the district attorney has said.