Page:Steadfast Heart.djvu/59

 callousness that he wore, but the impassivity, the phlegm of a sluggish brain, a brain battened down by cruelty and hardship, a brain which had never been awakened to life by the activities and interests of boyhood…. In Angus’s life there had been no interests….

Browning elected to make his opening at the close of the prosecution’s case, and then sank back in his chair a hunched, nonchalant figure, apparently neglectful of his duty and careless of what went on about him…. The crowd criticized. It looked for a battle of wits, for sharp tilts between keen brains—but this new young lawyer seemed to exercise but slight vigilance over the strategy of his opponent.

To Crane, now that he had estimated and appraised Browning, his task appeared easy. His manner reflected his comfort of mind. Clearly, succinctly, he established the killing and its relevant surroundings. Of these matters there was evidence in plenty…. Browning paid no compliment of attention to the witnesses, and, to the disgust of everyone, declined to cross-examine. Then his rating as a lawyer sunk to lowest ebb. Half the delight of a trial lay in merciless cross-examinations. Even Judge Winterhouse seemed disturbed and ventured a question which amounted to a suggestion.

“Do I understand, Mr. Browning,” he asked,