《美国悲剧》——An American Tragedy （中英文对照）完结_派派后花园

用户中心 游戏论坛 社区服务
发帖 回复
倒序阅读 最近浏览的帖子最近浏览的版块
« 返回列表
阅读：6626 回复：103

[Novel] 《美国悲剧》——An American Tragedy （中英文对照）完结

 刷新数据 楼层直达
司凌。

ZxID：9742737

2429874鲜花 36鸡蛋

等级: 派派版主
配偶: 此微夜
原名：独爱穿越。
举报 只看该作者 80楼  发表于: 2013-10-25 0

Part 3 Chapter 13
And then on the following morning Samuel Griffiths, with his own son Gilbert standing by, in the large drawingroom of their Wykeagy Avenue mansion, listening to Smillie's report of his conference with Clyde and Mason.
　　And Smillie reporting all he had heard and seen. And with Gilbert Griffiths, unbelievably shaken and infuriatedby all this, exclaiming at one point:
　　"Why, the little devil! The little beast! But what did I tell you, Dad? Didn't I warn you against bringing him on?"And Samuel Griffiths after meditating on this reference to his earlier sympathetic folly now giving Gilbert a mostsuggestive and intensely troubled look, which said: Are we here to discuss the folly of my original, if foolish,good intentions, or the present crisis? And Gilbert thinking: The murderer! And that wretched little show-off,Sondra Finchley, trying to make something of him in order to spite me, Gilbert, principally, and so gettingherself smirched. The little fool! But it served her right. She would get her share of this now. Only it would causehim and his father and all of them infinite trouble also. For was this not an ineradicable stain which was likely todefile all--himself, his fiancee, Bella, Myra, his parents--and perhaps cost them their position here in Lycurgussociety? The tragedy! Maybe an execution! And in this family!
　　Yet Samuel Griffiths, on his part, going back in his mind to all that had occurred since Clyde had arrived inLycurgus.
　　His being left to work in that basement at first and ignored by the family. Left to his own devices for fully eightmonths. Might not that have been at least a contributing cause to all this horror? And then being put over allthose girls! Was not that a mistake? He could see all this now clearly, although by no means condoning Clyde'sdeed in any way--far from it. The wretchedness of such a mind as that--the ungoverned and carnal desires! Theuncontrollable brutality of seducing that girl and then because of Sondra--the pleasant, agreeable little Sondra-plottingto get rid of her! And now in jail, and offering no better explanation of all the amazing circumstances, asreported by Smillie, than that he had not intended to kill her at all--had not even plotted to do so--that the windhad blown his hat off! How impossibly weak! And with no suitable explanation for the two hats, or the missingsuit, or of not going to the aid of the drowning girl. And those unexplained marks on her face. How strongly allthese things pointed to his guilt.
　　"For God's sake," exclaimed Gilbert, "hasn't he anything better than that to offer, the little fool!" And Smilliereplied that that was all he could get him to say, and that Mr. Mason was absolutely and quite dispassionatelyconvinced of his guilt. "Dreadful! Dreadful!" put in Samuel. "I really can't grasp it yet. I can't! It doesn't seempossible that any one of my blood could be guilty of such a thing!" And then getting up and walking the floor inreal and crushing distress and fear. His family! Gilbert and his future! Bella, with all her ambitions and dreams!
　　And Sondra! And Finchley!
　　He clinched his hands. He knitted his brows and tightened his lips. He looked at Smillie, who, immaculate andsleek, showed nevertheless the immense strain that was on him, shaking his head dismally whenever Griffithslooked at him.
　　And then after nearly an hour and a half more of such questioning and requestioning as to the possibility of someother interpretation than the data furnished by Smillie would permit, Griffiths, senior, pausing and declaring:
　　"Well, it does look bad, I must say. Still, in the face of what you tell me, I can't find it in me to condemncompletely without more knowledge than we have here. There may be some other facts not as yet come to light-hewon't talk, you say, about most things--some little details we don't know about--some slight excuse of somekind--for without that this does appear to be a most atrocious crime. Has Mr. Brookhart got in from Boston?""Yes, sir, he's here," replied Gilbert. "He telephoned Mr. Smillie.""Well, have him come out here at two this afternoon to see me. I'm too tired to talk more about this right now.
　　Tell him all that you have told me, Smillie. And then come back here with him at two. It may be that he will havesome suggestion to make that will be of value to us, although just what I can't see. Only one thing I want to say-Ihope he isn't guilty. And I want every proper step taken to discover whether he is or not, and if not, to defendhim to the limit of the law. But no more than that. No trying to save anybody who is guilty of such a thing asthis--no, no, no!--not even if he is my nephew! Not me! I'm not that kind of a man! Trouble or no trouble-disgraceor no disgrace--I'll do what I can to help him if he's innocent--if there's even the faintest reason forbelieving so. But guilty? No! Never! If this boy is really guilty, he'll have to take the consequences. Not adollar--not a penny--of my money will I devote to any one who could be guilty of such a crime, even if he is mynephew!"And turning and slowly and heavily moving toward the rear staircase, while Smillie, wide-eyed, gazed after himin awe. The power of him! The decision of him! The fairness of him in such a deadly crisis! And Gilbert equallyimpressed, also sitting and staring. His father was a man, really. He might be cruelly wounded and distressed,but, unlike himself, he was neither petty nor revengeful.
　　And next Mr. Darrah Brookhart, a large, well-dressed, well-fed, ponderous and cautious corporation lawyer, withone eye half concealed by a drooping lid and his stomach rather protuberant, giving one the impression of beingmentally if not exactly physically suspended, balloon-wise, in some highly rarefied atmosphere where he wasmoved easily hither and yon by the lightest breath of previous legal interpretations or decisions of any kind. Inthe absence of additional facts, the guilt of Clyde (to him) seemed obvious. Or, waiving that, as he saw it aftercarefully listening to Smillie's recounting of all the suspicious and incriminating circumstances, he would think itvery difficult to construct an even partially satisfactory defense, unless there were some facts favoring Clydewhich had not thus far appeared. Those two hats, that bag--his slipping away like that. Those letters. But hewould prefer to read them. For upon the face of the data so far, unquestionably public sentiment would be allagainst Clyde and in favor of the dead girl and her poverty and her class, a situation which made a favorableverdict in such a backwoods county seat as Bridgeburg almost impossible. For Clyde, although himself poor, wasthe nephew of a rich man and hitherto in good standing in Lycurgus society. That would most certainly tend toprejudice country-born people against him. It would probably be better to ask for a change of venue so as to nullify the force of such a prejudice.
　　On the other hand, without first sending a trained cross-examiner to Clyde--one, who being about to undertakethe defense should be able to extract the facts from him on the plea that on his truthful answers depended hislife--he would not be able to say whether there was any hope or not. In his office was a certain Mr. Catchuman, avery able man, who might be sent on such a mission and on whose final report one could base a reasonableopinion. However, there were now various other aspects of such a case as this which, in his estimation, needed tobe carefully looked into and decided upon. For, of course, as Mr. Griffiths and his son so well knew, in Utica,New York City, Albany (and now that he came to think of it, more particularly in Albany, where were twobrothers, Canavan & Canavan, most able if dubious individuals), there were criminal lawyers deeply versed inthe abstrusities and tricks of the criminal law. And any of them--no doubt--for a sufficient retainer, andirrespective of the primary look of a situation of this kind, might be induced to undertake such a defense. And, nodoubt, via change of venue, motions, appeals, etc., they might and no doubt would be able to delay andeventually effect an ultimate verdict of something less than death, if such were the wish of the head of this veryimportant family. On the other hand, there was the undeniable fact that such a hotly contested trial as this wouldmost assuredly prove to be would result in an enormous amount of publicity, and did Mr. Samuel Griffiths wantthat? For again, under such circumstances, was it not likely to be said, if most unjustly, of course, that he wasusing his great wealth to frustrate justice? The public was so prejudiced against wealth in such cases. Yet, somesort of a defense on the part of the Griffiths would certainly be expected by the public, whether subsequently thesame necessity for such defense was criticized by them or not.
　　And in consequence, it was now necessary for Mr. Griffiths and his son to decide how they would prefer toproceed--whether with very distinguished criminal lawyers such as the two he had just named, or with lessforceful counsel, or none. For, of course, it would be possible, and that quite inconspicuously, to supply Clydewith a capable and yet thoroughly conservative trial lawyer--some one residing and practising in Bridgeburgpossibly--whose duty it would be to see that all blatant and unjustified reference to the family on the part of thenewspapers was minimized.
　　And so, after three more hours of conference, it was finally decided by Samuel himself that at once Mr.
　　Brookhart was to despatch his Mr. Catchuman to Bridgeburg to interview Clyde, and thereafter, whatever hisconclusions as to his guilt or innocence, he was to select from the local array of legal talent--for the present,anyhow--such a lawyer as would best represent Clyde fairly. Yet with no assurances of means or encouragementto do more than extract from Clyde the true details of his relationship to this charge. And those once ascertainedto center upon such a defense as would most honestly tend to establish only such facts as were honestly favorableto Clyde--in short, in no way, either by legal chicane or casuistry or trickery of any kind, to seek to establish afalse innocence and so defeat the ends of justice.
第十三章
转天早上,塞缪尔·格里菲思在威克吉大街府邸宽敞的客厅里,听取了斯米利有关他跟克莱德和梅森晤谈的汇报.他的儿子吉尔伯特也在场.斯米利就他的所见所闻通通作了报告.吉尔伯特·格里菲思听了这一切后感到无比惊怒,一下子就大声嚷嚷说:
"瞧,这小恶鬼!这小畜生!爸爸,过去我是怎么跟您说的?
我不是早就提醒过您不要叫他上这儿来吗?"
塞缪尔·格里菲思听他儿子提到自己当初出于同情结果做了傻事后,先是沉吟不语,稍后意味深长而又紧张不安地望了吉尔伯特一眼,仿佛在说:现在我们到底是要讨论我当初——即使是愚不可及的——良好意愿呢,还是讨论目前的危机?这时吉尔伯特心里正在琢磨:这个杀人犯!还有那个可怜的、卖弄小聪明的桑德拉·芬奇利,她原想利用他来气气我吉尔伯特,结果自己反而落得个身败名裂.这个小傻瓜!不过,这也是她自己作的孽!现在可真的叫她够呛呀!但话又说回来,他、他父亲和他们一家人,同样也招来了无穷无尽的麻烦.
因为那是怎么也洗刷不掉的一个污点,很可能他们一家人——他自己、他的未婚妻、贝拉、麦拉和他父母——都受到玷污,也许他们在莱柯格斯的社会地位也全给毁了,可不是吗?这场悲剧!也许被判处死刑!而这偏偏是出在他们这个家族里!
不过,塞缪尔·格里菲思此时此刻心里正在回想克莱德来到莱柯格斯以后的全部经过.
开头让他到地下室干活,格里菲思一家人都不理睬他.整整八个月,对他完全不过问.也许这至少是造成这一切恐怖的一个原因,可不是吗?稍后,让他去当那些年轻女工的头头!难道说这不是一个错误吗?现在塞缪尔对这一切全都明白了,尽管他,当然罗,决不会对克莱德的所作所为稍加宽恕——绝对不是这样.好一个卑鄙的家伙——放浪形骸,兽性大发,竟然诱奸了那个姑娘,随后由于桑德拉——这个可爱的、惹人欢喜的小桑德拉——就策划把她干掉!现在他锒铛入狱了,据斯米利报告说,却对这一惊人的事态提不出更好的解释来,只好说他不想杀害她——甚至连想都没有想到这么干的——还说他的帽子是被风刮掉了!编造这样的假话,该有多可怜!而且,对那两顶帽子,或是丢失了的那套衣服,以及没有游过去搭救那个落水的姑娘,通通提不出任何令人信服的解释.此外,还有怎么也说不清楚的脸部伤痕.所有这一切,多么充分有力地证明他是犯了罪.
"我的天哪,"吉尔伯特大声嚷道,"难道他想不出比这些更好听的话吗?这个小傻瓜!"斯米利回答说,他自己能让克莱德说的就是这些了,还说梅森先生绝对铁面无情地坚信克莱德是犯了杀人罪."多可怕啊!多可怕啊!"塞缪尔插嘴说."说真的,我到现在还不明白.我就是不明白!我简直不可想象,跟我有血亲的人竟会犯了这种罪!"说罢,他站起身来,心中充满无比痛苦和恐惧,在客厅里来回踱步.他的家!吉尔伯特和他的前途!贝拉和她所有的抱负和梦想!还有桑德拉!还有芬奇利!
他捏紧拳头,眉宇紧锁,嘴唇紧闭,两眼直瞅着斯米利——此人尽管平素圆滑机灵,无懈可击,但在此刻却露出极端紧张的神态,每当格里菲思的目光一落到他身上,他照例都无可奈何地摇摇头.
老格里菲思差不多花了一个半钟头,反复询问除了斯米利提供的材料以外,是不是可能还有其他的解释,接着沉默半晌,最后才说:"嗯,我不得不认为这事看来确实很糟.不过,根据你给我的汇报,我觉得,因为现有材料尚嫌不足,所以还不能对它断然作出结论.说不定还有别的一些什么事实,暂时没有完全露头——据你说,许多事情他还是不肯讲——有些具体细节我们还不知道——某些细微的辩解——要是连那种辩解都没有,那末,这确实象是一种极端残忍的罪行了.布鲁克哈特从波士顿回来了没有?"
"回来了,爸爸,他在这里,"吉尔伯特回答说."他给斯米利先生打过电话了."
"好吧,让他下午两点来这儿看我.我太累,现在不想再谈这件事了.把你告诉我的话,全都转告他,斯米利.两点钟跟他一块再上这儿来.说不定他会提出一些对我们有相当价值的建议,虽然我简直想象不出究竟是什么样的建议.我想说的只有一件事,就是:我希望克莱德没有犯罪.而且,我要采取所有正当的步骤,来了解清楚他到底有没有犯罪;要是没有犯罪,就在法律许可的范围以内替他辩护.只要不超过这个范围就得了.不管是谁,只要犯了这种罪,我决不会营救他——不,不,不!——即便他是我的亲侄子!我也决不会的!我可不是这样的人!不管怎么样——麻烦不麻烦,丢脸不丢脸——我一定尽自己力量帮助他,只要他是无辜的——哪怕是只有一点儿理由相信他是无辜的.可是,倘若他真的犯了罪呢?不!决不会!如果这小子果真犯了罪,那就理应由他自食其果.我决不会在犯了这种罪的人身上花掉我的一块钱——一分钱——
哪怕他还是我的亲侄子!"
说罢,他侧转身去,拖着沉重、缓慢的脚步,朝客厅后头楼梯走去.斯米利睁大眼睛,必恭必敬地凝望着他的背影.他多么威风凛凛!多么干脆利索!处在这样的紧急关头,他表现得多么刚正不阿!吉尔伯特也同样感到震惊,端坐在那里,两眼茫然直瞪着前方.是的,他父亲真是个男子汉大丈夫.尽管他父亲很可能感到创巨痛深,但跟他吉尔伯特不一样,既不小心眼儿,也不会伺机报复.
接下来是达拉·布鲁克哈特先生.此人是一个身材高大、穿着讲究、营养充足、谨慎稳重的公司法律顾问.他有一只眼睛被耷拉下来的眼皮遮住了一半.他的肚子凸了出来,给人印象是:布鲁克哈特先生——如果说他身子形状还不是挺象,那末在思想上——却活象一个汽球,悬浮在极其稀薄的大气层里,只要任何有过先例的法律诠释或决定轻轻地一吹,就可以使他忽东忽西,飘忽不定.即便不再添加其他事实,克莱德犯罪一事(依他看)似乎也已是彰明昭著的了.哪怕撇开这一点不谈,他在仔细听过斯米利又缕述了克莱德所有可疑和被牵连的情况后认为,如果没有若干迄今未被发现的、有利于克莱德的事实根据,要进行即使是差强人意的辩护也是非常困难的.那两顶帽子、那只手提箱——他那样偷偷地溜之大吉.还有那些信.不过,那些信他倒是很乐意亲自过目一下.因为,根据目前已知的情况来看,社会舆论毫无疑问全都反对克莱德,有利于死去的姑娘,以及她的贫困和她所隶属的那个阶级.因此,要在布里奇伯格这样一个地处荒僻的林区的县城,争取到一个有利的判决,几乎是不可能的.因为,克莱德自己虽然穷,可他毕竟是富翁的侄子,至今在莱柯格斯社会上很有地位.这就必然使当地人对他产生偏见.因此,也许最好请求变更审判地点,才能使这种偏见对判决不发生影响.
另一方面,首先要派出一名对反诘问①有经验的律师去盘问克莱德——此人负责替他进行辩护,应该从他那里尽量榨取事实证据,只要推托说他这条性命能不能保得住,全看他能不能老老实实回答问题就得了——如果不派去这么一个律师,他布鲁克哈特还不能肯定说究竟有没有希望.布鲁克哈特事务所里,有一个名叫卡奇曼先生的,此人非常能干,也许可以派他去执行这一任务,并且根据他的总结报告,才能对克莱德一案作出一个合理的结论来.不过,类似这样的案子,其中还会涉及到其他一些方面,据他估计,必须仔细加以研究和作出判断.因为,毫无疑问,正如格里菲思父子俩也很清楚,在尤蒂卡、纽约市、奥尔巴尼,确有一些律师对刑法中一些深奥诀窍特别精通(此刻他忽然特别想起了奥尔巴尼的卡纳万哥儿俩,这两个人挺有能耐,虽然不免有些令人可疑).这些人里头不管是谁——当然罗——只要有一笔相当可观的预约辩护聘金,也不管这个案子开头看起来如何,都可以诱使他担任辩护.而且,毫无疑问,他们可以通过变更审判地点、向法院提出各种申请、上诉等等办法,也许一定能够推迟审判,到头来争取到一个不给判处死刑的终审判决,如果这样的结果符合这个权势煊赫的格里菲思家族首脑的心意.另一方面,还有一个无可否认的事实,那就是:作为这样一个争论热点的案子,必然会在报界引起巨大轰动.这是不是符合塞缪尔·格里菲思的愿望呢?还有,在这种情况下,外界不是很可能会说——当然罗,尽管这种说法是极不公道的——他利用自己巨大的财富来阻挠法院审判吗?象这一类案子,公众对富豪照例怀有极深的偏见.不过,格里菲思家出面为克莱德进行辩护,这对公众来说,当然也是在预料之中,不管以后他们是不是会对这种辩护的必要性进行批评.
①反诘问,指诉讼当事人的一方,向对方证人就其所提供的证词进行盘问,以便发现矛盾,推翻其证词.
因此,现在格里菲思父子俩必须决定,究竟该采取哪种办法:是延聘刚才他提到的那两位大名鼎鼎的刑法辩护律师呢,还是不那么得力的法律顾问,或者干脆一个都不请.当然罗,可以不引人注目地为克莱德延聘一位很能干、而又非常保守的律师——也许是某一位寓居布里奇伯格开业的律师——由此人负责密切注意:各报公开刊登对于格里菲思家露骨的不公道的攻击必须尽可能地少.
经过二个钟头的商议,最后塞缪尔本人终于决定:由布鲁克哈特先生立刻派他手下的卡奇曼先生去布里奇伯格跟克莱德谈话,随后,不管他的结论认为克莱德确实犯了罪,或者是无辜的,由他从当地杰出的法学界人士中——反正就目前来说——挑选一位最最公正地能代表克莱德的人作为辩护律师.可是,卡奇曼先生所应该做的仅仅是迫使克莱德交代他与这一指控有关的具体真相,而不可得到保证会有某种手段,不可得到鼓励去做超出这一任务之外的事.这些具体真相一旦了解清楚以后,重点就得放到类似这样的辩护上,那就是说,要极其认真地想方设法仅仅去证实一些有利于克莱德的事实——总而言之,绝不施用任何合法的诡辩或是花招等手段去试图虚假地证实他是无罪之人,从而宣告法院审判的结果无效.


回复 引用 新鲜事
顶端
司凌。

ZxID：9742737

2429874鲜花 36鸡蛋

等级: 派派版主
配偶: 此微夜
原名：独爱穿越。
举报 只看该作者 81楼  发表于: 2013-10-25 0

Part 3 Chapter 14
Mr. Catchuman did not prove by any means to be the one to extract from Clyde anything more than had eitherMason or Smillie. Although shrewd to a degree in piecing together out of the muddled statements of anothersuch data as seemed most probable, still he was not so successful in the realm of the emotions, as was necessary in the case of Clyde. He was too legal, chilling--unemotional. And in consequence, after grilling Clyde for fourlong hours one hot July afternoon, he was eventually compelled to desist with the feeling that as a plotter ofcrime Clyde was probably the most arresting example of feeble and blundering incapacity he had ever met.
　　For since Smillie's departure Mason had proceeded to the shores of Big Bittern with Clyde. And there discoveredthe tripod and camera. Also listened to more of Clyde's lies. And as he now explained to Catchuman that, whileClyde denied owning a camera, nevertheless he had proof that he did own one and had taken it with him when heleft Lycurgus. Yet when confronted with this fact by Catchuman, as the latter now noticed, Clyde had nothing tosay other than that he had not taken a camera with him and that the tripod found was not the one belonging toany camera of his--a lie which so irritated Catchuman that he decided not to argue with him further.
　　At the same time, however, Brookhart having instructed him that, whatever his personal conclusions in regard toClyde, a lawyer of sorts was indispensable--the charity, if not the honor, of the Griffiths being this muchinvolved, the western Griffiths, as Brookhart had already explained to him, having nothing and not being wantedin the case anyhow--he decided that he must find one before leaving. In consequence, and without anyknowledge of the local political situation, he proceeded to the office of Ira Kellogg, president of the CataraquiCounty National Bank, who, although Catchuman did not know it, was high in the councils of the Democraticorganization. And because of his religious and moral views, this same Kellogg was already highly incensed andirritated by the crime of which Clyde was accused. On the other hand, however, because as he well knew thiscase was likely to pave the way for an additional Republican sweep at the approaching primaries, he was notblind to the fact that some reducing opposition to Mason might not be amiss. Fate seemed too obviously to befavoring the Republican machine in the person of and crime committed by Clyde.
　　For since the discovery of this murder, Mason had been basking in such publicity and even nation-wide notorietyas had not befallen any district attorney of this region in years and years. Newspaper correspondents andreporters and illustrators from such distant cities as Buffalo, Rochester, Chicago, New York and Boston, werealready arriving as everybody knew or saw, to either interview or make sketches or take photos of Clyde, Mason,the surviving members of the Alden family, et cetera, while locally Mason was the recipient of undiluted praise,even the Democratic voters in the county joining with the Republicans in assuring each other that Mason was allright, that he was handling this young murderer in the way that he deserved to be handled, and that neither thewealth of the Griffiths nor of the family of that rich girl whom he appeared to have been trying to capture, wasinfluencing this young tribune of the people in the least. He was a real attorney. He had not "allowed any grass togrow under his feet, you bet."Indeed previous to Catchuman's visit, a coroner's jury had been called, with Mason attending and directing even,the verdict being that the dead girl had come to her death through a plot devised and executed by one ClydeGriffiths who was then and there in the county jail of Bridgeburg and that he be held to await the verdict of theCounty Grand Jury to whom his crime was soon to be presented. And Mason, through an appeal to the Governor,as all now knew was planning to secure a special sitting of the Supreme Court, which would naturally involve animmediate session of the County Grand Jury in order to hear the evidence and either indict or discharge Clyde.
　　And now, Catchuman arriving to inquire where he was likely to find a local lawyer of real ability who could betrusted to erect some sort of a defense for Clyde. And immediately as an offset to all this there popped intoKellogg's mind the name and reputation of one Hon. Alvin Belknap, of Belknap and Jephson, of this same city-anindividual who had been twice state senator, three times Democratic assemblyman from this region, and more recently looked upon by various Democratic politicians as one who would be favored with higher honors as soonas it was possible to arrange an issue which would permit the Democrats to enter into local office. In fact, onlythree years before, in a contest with Mason for the district attorneyship, this same Belknap had run closer tovictory than any other candidate on the Democratic ticket. Indeed, so rounded a man was he politically that thisyear he had been slated for that very county judgeship nomination which Mason had in view. And but for thissudden and most amazing development in connection with Clyde, it had been quite generally assumed thatBelknap, once nominated, would be elected. And although Mr. Kellogg did not quite trouble to explain toCatchuman all the complicated details of this very interesting political situation, he did explain that Mr. Belknapwas a very exceptional man, almost the ideal one, if one were looking for an opponent to Mason.
　　And with this slight introduction, Kellogg now offered personally to conduct Catchuman to Belknap andJephson's office, just across the way in the Bowers Block.
　　And then knocking at Belknap's door, they were admitted by a brisk, medium-sized and most engaging-lookingman of about forty-eight, whose gray-blue eyes at once fixed themselves in the mind of Catchuman as thepsychic windows of a decidedly shrewd if not altogether masterful and broad-gauge man. For Belknap wasinclined to carry himself with an air which all were inclined to respect. He was a college graduate, and in hisyouth because of his looks, his means, and his local social position (his father had been a judge as well as anational senator from here), he had seen so much of what might be called near-city life that all those gaucheriesas well as sex-inhibitions and sex-longings which still so greatly troubled and motivated and even marked a manlike Mason had long since been covered with an easy manner and social understanding which made him fairlycapable of grasping any reasonable moral or social complication which life was prepared to offer.
　　Indeed he was one who naturally would approach a case such as Clyde's with less vehemence and fever than didMason. For once, in his twentieth year, he himself had been trapped between two girls, with one of whom he wasmerely playing while being seriously in love with the other. And having seduced the first and being confrontedwith an engagement or flight, he had chosen flight. But not before laying the matter before his father, by whomhe was advised to take a vacation, during which time the services of the family doctor were engaged with theresult that for a thousand dollars and expenses necessary to house the pregnant girl in Utica, the father had finallyextricated his son and made possible his return, and eventual marriage to the other girl.
　　And therefore, while by no means sympathizing with the more cruel and drastic phases of Clyde's attempt atescape--as so far charged (never in all the years of his law practice had he been able to grasp the psychology of amurderer) still because of the rumored existence and love influence of a rich girl whose name had not as yet beendivulged he was inclined to suspect that Clyde had been emotionally betrayed or bewitched. Was he not poor andvain and ambitious? He had heard so: had even been thinking that he--the local political situation being what itwas might advantageously to himself--and perhaps most disruptingly to the dreams of Mr. Mason be able toconstruct a defense--or at least a series of legal contentions and delays which might make it not so easy for Mr.
　　Mason to walk away with the county judgeship as he imagined. Might it not, by brisk, legal moves now--andeven in the face of this rising public sentiment, or because of it,--be possible to ask for a change of venue--ortime to develop new evidence in which case a trial might not occur before Mr. Mason was out of office. He andhis young and somewhat new associate, Mr. Reuben Jephson, of quite recently the state of Vermont, had beenthinking of it.
　　And now Mr. Catchuman accompanied by Mr. Kellogg. And thereupon a conference with Mr. Catchuman andMr. Kellogg, with the latter arguing quite politically the wisdom of his undertaking such a defense. And his owninterest in the case being what it was, he was not long in deciding, after a conference with his younger associate,that he would. In the long run it could not possibly injure him politically, however the public might feel about itnow.
　　And then Catchuman having handed over a retainer to Belknap as well as a letter introducing him to Clyde,Belknap had Jephson call up Mason to inform him that Belknap & Jephson, as counsel for Samuel Griffiths onbehalf of his nephew, would require of him a detailed written report of all the charges as well as all the evidencethus far accumulated, the minutes of the autopsy and the report of the coroner's inquest. Also information as towhether any appeal for a special term of the Supreme Court had as yet been acted upon, and if so what judge hadbeen named to sit, and when and where the Grand Jury would be gathered. Incidentally, he said, Messrs. Belknapand Jephson, having heard that Miss Alden's body had been sent to her home for burial, would request at once acounsel's agreement whereby it might be exhumed in order that other doctors now to be called by the defensemight be permitted to examine it--a proposition which Mason at once sought to oppose but finally agreed torather than submit to an order from a Supreme Court judge.
　　These details having been settled, Belknap announced that he was going over to the jail to see Clyde. It was lateand he had had no dinner, and might get none now, but he wanted to have a "heart to heart" with this youth,whom Catchuman informed him he would find very difficult. But Belknap, buoyed up as he was by hisopposition to Mason, his conviction that he was in a good mental state to understand Clyde, was in a high degreeof legal curiosity. The romance and drama of this crime! What sort of a girl was this Sondra Finchley, of whomhe had already heard through secret channels? And could she by any chance be brought to Clyde's defense? Hehad already understood that her name was not to be mentioned--high politics demanding this. He was really mosteager to talk to this sly and ambitious and futile youth.
　　However, on reaching the jail, and after showing Sheriff Slack a letter from Catchuman and asking as a specialfavor to himself that he be taken upstairs to some place near Clyde's cell in order that, unannounced, he mightfirst observe Clyde, he was quietly led to the second floor and, the outside door leading to the corridor whichfaced Clyde's cell being opened for him, allowed to enter there alone. And then walking to within a few feet ofClyde's cell he was able to view him--at the moment lying face down on his iron cot, his arms above his head, atray of untouched food standing in the aperture, his body sprawled and limp. For, since Catchuman's departure,and his second failure to convince any one of his futile and meaningless lies, he was more despondent than ever.
　　In fact, so low was his condition that he was actually crying, his shoulders heaving above his silent emotion. Atsight of this, and remembering his own youthful escapades, Belknap now felt intensely sorry for him. Nosoulless murderer, as he saw it, would cry.
　　Approaching Clyde's cell door, after a pause, he began with: "Come, come, Clyde! This will never do. Youmustn't give up like this. Your case mayn't be as hopeless as you think. Wouldn't you like to sit up and talk to alawyer fellow who thinks he might be able to do something for you? Belknap is my name--Alvin Belknap. I liveright here in Bridgeburg and I have been sent over by that other fellow who was here a while ago--Catchuman,wasn't that his name? You didn't get along with him so very well, did you? Well, I didn't either. He's not ourkind, I guess. But here's a letter from him authorizing me to represent you. Want to see it?" He poked it geniallyand authoritatively through the narrow bars toward which Clyde, now curious and dubious, approached. For there was something so whole-hearted and unusual and seemingly sympathetic and understanding in this man'svoice that Clyde took courage. And without hesitancy, therefore, he took the letter and looked at it, then returnedit with a smile.
　　"There, I thought so," went on Belknap, most convincingly and pleased with his effect, which he creditedentirely to his own magnetism and charm. "That's better. I know we're going to get along. I can feel it. You aregoing to be able to talk to me as easily and truthfully as you would to your mother. And without any fear that anyword of anything you ever tell me is going to reach another ear, unless you want it to, see? For I'm going to beyour lawyer, Clyde, if you'll let me, and you're going to be my client, and we're going to sit down together tomorrow,or whenever you say so, and you're going to tell me all you think I ought to know, and I'm going to tellyou what I think I ought to know, and whether I'm going to be able to help you. And I'm going to prove to youthat in every way that you help me, you're helping yourself, see? And I'm going to do my damnedest to get youout of this. Now, how's that, Clyde?"He smiled most encouragingly and sympathetically--even affectionately. And Clyde, feeling for the first timesince his arrival here that he had found some one in whom he could possibly confide without danger, was alreadythinking it might be best if he should tell this man all--everything--he could not have said why, quite, but heliked him. In a quick, if dim way he felt that this man understood and might even sympathize with him, if heknew all or nearly all. And after Belknap had detailed how eager this enemy of his--Mason--was to convict him,and how, if he could but devise a reasonable defense, he was sure he could delay the case until this man was outof office, Clyde announced that if he would give him the night to think it all out, to-morrow or any time he choseto come back, he would tell him all.
　　And then, the next day Belknap sitting on a stool and munching chocolate bars, listened while Clyde before himon his iron cot, poured forth his story--all the details of his life since arriving at Lycurgus--how and why he hadcome there, the incident of the slain child in Kansas City, without, however, mention of the clipping which hehimself had preserved and then forgotten; his meeting with Roberta, and his desire for her; her pregnancy andhow he had sought to get her out of it--on and on until, she having threatened to expose him, he had at last, andin great distress and fright, found the item in The Times-Union and had sought to emulate that in action. But hehad never plotted it personally, as Belknap was to understand. Nor had he intentionally killed her at the last. No,he had not. Mr. Belknap must believe that, whatever else he thought. He had never deliberately struck her. No,no, no! It had been an accident. There had been a camera, and the tripod reported to have been found by Masonwas unquestionably his tripod. Also, he had hidden it under a log, after accidentally striking Roberta with thecamera and then seeing that sink under the waters, where no doubt it still was, and with pictures of himself andRoberta on the film it contained, if they were not dissolved by the water. But he had not struck her intentionally.
　　No--he had not. She had approached and he had struck, but not intentionally. The boat had upset. And then asnearly as he could, he described how before that he had seemed to be in a trance almost, because having gone sofar he could go no farther.
　　But in the meantime, Belknap, himself finally wearied and confused by this strange story, the impossibility as henow saw it of submitting to, let alone convincing, any ordinary backwoods jury of this region, of the innocenceof these dark and bitter plans and deeds, finally in great weariness and uncertainty and mental confusion, even,getting up and placing his hands on Clyde's shoulders, saying: "Well, that'll be enough of this for to-day, Clyde, Ithink. I see how you felt and how it all came about--also I see how tired you are, and I'm mighty glad you've been able to give me the straight of this, because I know how hard it's been for you to do it. But I don't want youto talk any more now. There are going to be other days, and I have a few things I want to attend to before I takeup some of the minor phases of this with you to-morrow or next day. Just you sleep and rest for the present.
　　You'll need all you can get for the work both of us will have to do a little later. But just now, you're not to worry,because there's no need of it, do you see? I'll get you out of this--or we will--my partner and I. I have a partnerthat I'm going to bring around here presently. You'll like him, too. But there are one or two things that I want youto think about and stick to--and one of these is that you're not to let anybody frighten you into anything, becauseeither myself or my partner will be around here once a day anyhow, and anything you have to say or want toknow you can say or find out from us. Next you're not to talk to anybody--Mason, the sheriff, these jailers, noone--unless I tell you to. No one, do you hear! And above all things, don't cry any more. For if you are asinnocent as an angel, or as black as the devil himself, the worst thing you can do is to cry before any one. Thepublic and these jail officers don't understand that--they invariably look upon it as weakness or a confession ofguilt. And I don't want them to feel any such thing about you now, and especially when I know that you're reallynot guilty. I know that now. I believe it. See! So keep a stiff upper lip before Mason and everybody.
　　"In fact, from now on I want you to try and laugh a little--or at any rate, smile and pass the time of day with thesefellows around here. There's an old saying in law, you know, that the consciousness of innocence makes any mancalm. Think and look innocent. Don't sit and brood and look as though you had lost your last friend, because youhaven't. I'm here, and so is my partner, Mr. Jephson. I'll bring him around here in a day or two, and you're to lookand act toward him exactly as you have toward me. Trust him, because in legal matters he's even smarter than Iam in some ways. And to-morrow I'm going to bring you a couple of books and some magazines and papers,and I want you to read them or look at the pictures. They'll help keep your mind off your troubles."Clyde achieved a rather feeble smile and nodded his head.
　　"From now on, too,--I don't know whether you're at all religious--but whether you are or not, they hold serviceshere in the jail on Sundays, and I want you to attend 'em regularly--that is, if they ask you to. For this is areligious community and I want you to make as good an impression as you can. Never mind what people say orhow they look--you do as I tell you. And if this fellow Mason or any of those fellows around here get topestering you any more, send me a note.
　　"And now I'll be going, so give me a cheerful smile as I go out--and another one as I come in. And don't talk,see?"Then shaking Clyde briskly by the shoulders and slapping him on the back, he strode out, actually thinking tohimself: "But do I really believe that this fellow is as innocent as he says? Would it be possible for a fellow tostrike a girl like that and not know that he was doing it intentionally? And then swimming away afterwards,because, as he says, if he went near her he thought he might drown too. Bad. Bad! What twelve men are going tobelieve that? And that bag, those two hats, that missing suit! And yet he swears he didn't intentionally strike her.
　　But what about all that planning--the intent--which is just as bad in the eyes of the law. Is he telling the truth or ishe lying even now--perhaps trying to deceive himself as well as me? And that camera--we ought to get hold ofthat before Mason finds it and introduces it. And that suit. I ought to find that and mention it, maybe, so as tooffset the look of its being hidden--say that we had it all the time--send it to Lycurgus to be cleaned. But no, no-waita minute--I must think about that."And so on, point by point, while deciding wearily that perhaps it would be better not to attempt to use Clyde'sstory at all, but rather to concoct some other story--this one changed or modified in some way which would makeit appear less cruel or legally murderous.
第十四章
可是,卡奇曼先生从克莱德身上探出来的情况,压根儿不见得比梅森或斯米利更多些.尽管他相当心细手巧,根据杂乱无章的谈话,编成一份似乎最翔实可靠的资料,但是,对克莱德一案来说,必须了解清楚的内心活动方面,他却并没有取得多大成功.他这个人太严峻、太冷漠——不易动感情.因此,在七月里一个炎热的下午,他把克莱德折磨了整整四个钟头,最后才不得不收场.他深深地感到,作为一个凶杀案的策划者来说,克莱德恐怕是他所见到过的能力最差、纰漏最多的一个惊人的例子.
斯米利走了以后,梅森押着克莱德去大比腾湖边,就在那儿发现了三脚架和照相机.又听了克莱德另外编造的一些谎话.现在梅森向卡奇曼解释说,克莱德虽然否认他有照相机,可是他梅森有确实证据,证明他确实有一架照相机,而且,他从莱柯格斯动身时就带在身边的.但卡奇曼向克莱德提出这个问题时,发觉克莱德只说自己身边没有带照相机,被发现的三脚架并不是他照相机上的三脚架——这句谎话,让卡奇曼非常反感,就决定再也不跟他争辩下去了.
不过,布鲁克哈特曾关照过他,不管他个人对克莱德作出结论如何,还是少不了要给他选一名辩护律师;这至少涉及到格里菲思家的仁慈,且不说他们的家族荣誉.布鲁克哈特还向他交过底,说西部姓格里菲思的那一家赤贫如洗,反正本案也不必要把他们牵连进去.因此,他决定临行前,非得物色到一名辩护律师不可.结果,他因为对当地政情一无所知,就找到了卡塔拉基县国民银行行长艾拉·凯洛格的办公处.此人在当地民主党组织里地位很高(对此卡奇曼并不了解).这位凯洛格从他宗教和道德观出发,对克莱德被告发的罪行早就非常愤怒.但从另一方面,他深知这个案子很可能给共和党在即将来临的预选中再获全胜铺平了道路.因此,他看到,这是一个可以利用来削弱梅森的声望的机会.由于克莱德这个人的形象以及他所犯的罪行,看来运气很显然是对共和党机器有利.
因为,自从这一凶杀案发现以来,梅森甚至在全国一直享有盛名,可以说多少年来本区哪一个地方检察官从来没有碰到过的.来自布法罗、罗切斯特、芝加哥、纽约和波士顿这些遥远的城市的各报通讯员、记者和插图画家,都早已来到这里,向克莱德、梅森,以及奥尔登家里其他人,或是进行采访,或是画速写,或是拍照等等——这一切人人都已知道,或是亲眼看到了.与此同时,梅森在当地社会上已成为交口称誉的对象,甚至连本县民主党的选民也跟共和党人联合在一起,都肯定梅森为人公道,说他处置这个年轻杀人犯的办法正是后者罪有应得,又说不管是有钱有势的格里菲思家也好,还是克莱德好象很想征服的那个有钱的姑娘家的财富也好,对这个年轻的护民官丝毫没有产生影响.他才是一个真正的检察官啊.他决不会"坐失良机,您尽管放心".
事实上,在卡奇曼来访以前,验尸陪审团甚至在梅森主持与指导下,已经开过会了,一致认为:这个姑娘之所以致死,是由于一个名叫克莱德·格里菲思的人策划谋杀的结果;此犯现已关进布里奇伯格县监狱,应继续予以扣押,听候本县大陪审团判决;他的罪案不日即将呈报本县大陪审团.众所周知,梅森已请求州长,让最高法院专门开庭审理,因此,本县大陪审团自然要召开会议,以便听取证词,并决定对克莱德起诉,或是将他释放.正在这时,卡奇曼来到这里,问能不能寻摸到一位真正有能力的本地律师,确信能为克莱德作些辩护.为了抵制梅森这一切的活动,凯洛格马上想到本市贝尔纳普与杰夫森律师事务所里的阿尔文·贝尔纳普这个人的大名和他的声望:此人当过两任本州参议员,三次代表本区出任民主党州众议员.最近,许多民主党的政客认为:他还可以擢升到更高的要职,只要民主党能将本地行政机构掌握在自己的手里.事实上,三年前,这位贝尔纳普与梅森竞争地方检察官的职位时,对梅森来说,他就是民主党候选人名单上最危险的一个劲敌.诚然,他跟政界各方面关系都给打通了,今年已被提名为本县法官候选人,这一职位也正是被梅森眼睛盯住了的.要不是突然发生了克莱德这一惊人事件,一般都认为,贝尔纳普只要一被提名,就会当选.这种极端有趣的政坛形势,连同所有错综复杂的细节,凯洛格先生虽然没有不厌其烦地一一讲给卡奇曼听,不过,他倒是确实讲过这样的话:倘要寻摸梅森的对手,贝尔纳普先生则是一个特别合适,甚至再也理想不过的人了.
经过这样扼要介绍以后,凯洛格乐意亲自陪同卡奇曼到街对面鲍尔斯大楼里的贝尔纳普与杰夫森律师事务所去.
他们叩了一下贝尔纳普的门,应接他们的是一个中等身材,生气勃勃,看来很招人欢喜的男子,年龄在四十八岁左右;他那双灰蓝色眼睛,卡奇曼一见就觉得:此人即使说不上特别老练、心胸宽厚的话,单看这两扇心灵的窗口,显然就能知道他是非常精明的.因为贝尔纳普平时举止谈吐很有风度,无不使周围所有的人肃然起敬.他是个大学毕业生.年轻时,由于他的容貌、家境,及其在本地的社会地位(他父亲做过法官,又当过代表本州的参议员),他早已尽情地领略过通常所谓寻欢作乐的生活乐趣,因此,所有那些不善交际、性压抑、性渴念等等感受,至今依然使梅森这样的人困惑、激动,甚至给了他的一言一行以决定性的影响,然而对贝尔纳普来说,却早已成为过去了;他的通情达理和宽容大度,使他对生活中常常碰到的、从道德或社会视角来看都很复杂(但只要不是非常特别)
的任何问题,他全都能理解得相当透彻.
事实上,此人就其秉性来说,在处置克莱德这么一个案子时,当然不象梅森那样激烈、狂热.要知道,他在二十岁那年,曾为两个姑娘而陷入过困境:他跟其中的一个只不过是玩玩,而同另一个却是一本正经地在谈恋爱.他诱奸了第一个姑娘,当时摆在他面前的,要么是订婚,要么是逃跑,他选择了逃跑.不过,事先他把这事告诉了父亲,父亲劝他出去休假旅行,同时请家庭医生大力相助,结果花去一千块美元,另外还支付了那个怀孕姑娘住在尤蒂卡时的一笔必要开销.父亲毕竟使儿子摆脱了困境,方才可以回来,最后跟另一个姑娘结了婚.
因此,虽然对于克莱德企图逃避责任时所采取的——如同迄今他被告发的——那些比贝尔纳普本人当年所采取的较为残忍和激烈的措施,贝尔纳普决不同情(他开业当律师尽管已有这么多年,一直无法理解杀人犯的心理),但是因为传说克莱德还跟一个富翁的女儿有过风流韵事,考虑到爱情所造成的影响(这个姑娘的名字,至今仍未被披露),贝尔纳普倾向于认为:克莱德是被爱情迷住了,是着了魔.他不是一个虽然贫穷但又爱慕虚荣、欲望强烈的人吗?他听说确实就是这样.他甚至还这样琢磨过:本地的政坛形势,说不定对自己大有好处,或许还会使梅森的美梦化为泡影,那就是说,也许可由他提出辩护的设想——或是至少通过一系列法庭辩论和一再延期,使梅森不能那么轻而易举地夺走他梦寐以求的本县法官这一职位.目前不是可以通过强有力的法律手段——甚至不顾与日俱增的群情激愤,或者说也正是有鉴于此——来要求变更审判地点吗?或者要求放宽时间,以便发现新的证据,这样在梅森离职前也许审判还不会开始.他和他的那个年轻的新同事,刚从佛蒙特州来的鲁本·杰夫森先生,他们两人最近正想到这一着呢.
正在这时,卡奇曼先生在凯洛格先生陪同下走了进来.贝尔纳普马上跟卡奇曼先生和凯洛格先生进行磋商.凯洛格先生从政治上论证由贝尔纳普接手这么一个案子是明智的.何况贝尔纳普本人对该案也很感兴趣,他跟他的年轻同事商议以后,马上表示同意了.不管目前公众会怎么想,从长远的观点看,它不可能在政治上对他有危害.
随后,卡奇曼将一笔预约辩护聘金,连同把他介绍给克莱德的一封信,都交给了贝尔纳普.贝尔纳普请杰夫森打电话通知梅森,说贝尔纳普与杰夫森事务所受塞缪尔·格里菲思的委托,出任他侄子的辩护律师,要求他梅森给他们一份详细的书面报告,其中包括所有的罪状与迄今搜集到的全部证据,还有尸体解剖记录,以及验尸官验尸结果的报告.此外还要了解一下:要求最高法院专门开庭一事获准了没有.如果已经获准了,那末,指定的法官是谁,大陪审团在何时何地开会.他还说,顺便提一下,据贝尔纳普和杰夫森两位先生听说,奥尔登小姐的尸体已运回家乡安葬,他们要求即刻获得双方律师同意,将尸体重新掘出来,由被告的辩护律师延请其他医生进行查验.梅森对上述这个提议马上表示反对,不过,到最后还是同意了,因为,要不然,他们就得报送最高法院等候法官的裁决.
这些细节问题全都谈妥以后,贝尔纳普宣布说,他要去监狱看看克莱德.这时天色已经不早了,他还没有吃晚饭,而且现在说不定连晚饭也吃不上了,不过,他很想跟这个年轻人"推心置腹"地谈一谈.据卡奇曼向他介绍说,他一定会发现这个年轻人是很难对付的.可是贝尔纳普倍觉鼓舞的是因为他反对梅森,深信自己有充分的思考力,最最容易了解克莱德,何况他从事律师这一职业的好奇心,简直已达到了顶点.这个案子,既有风流艳史,而又富于戏剧性!这个桑德拉·芬奇利,到底是怎样一位姑娘呢?他通过秘密渠道,已经听人说起过了.难道说就不传唤她来给克莱德辩护吗?人们早已关照过他:她的名字是万万不可提到的——这正是高层政治利益的需要.说实话,他恨不得马上跟这个狡猾、欲望强烈,但是没出息的年轻人谈一谈.
贝尔纳普一到监狱,把卡奇曼的介绍信交给执法官斯莱克,要求特别照顾,让他到楼上靠近克莱德牢房的地方,不声不响地先观察一下这个囚犯.稍后,他便悄悄地被引领到了二楼.通往克莱德牢房的过道那道门正敞着,让他独自一人走了进去.贝尔纳普走到离克莱德牢房只有几步远的地方,只见他正脸儿朝下,两手捂住脑袋,四肢叉开,浑身瘫了似的俯伏在铁床上.牢房那个小不点儿的窗口里,还有一盘吃食,一动也没动过.因为自从卡奇曼走后,也就是在他第二次失败(他本想用一些空洞无聊的谎话来骗取人家的信任)以后,他比过去更加心灰意懒了.他内心情绪是如此低沉,这会儿确实是在哭,他的两个肩膀,也好象由于无声的呻吟而在抽搐着.贝尔纳普一见此情此景,立刻回想起自己年轻时的荒唐事,不由得无比怜悯他.依他看,没有灵魂的杀人犯是不会哭的.他走近克莱德牢房的门口,迟疑了一下,这才开始说:"得了,得了,克莱德!这可要不得.你可千万别这样垂头丧气.你这个案子,也许并不象你想象中那样毫无希望啊.好好坐起来,跟一个也许能给你出一点力的律师谈谈吧?本人叫贝尔纳普——阿尔文·贝尔纳普.我就住在布里奇伯格.是刚才来看过你的人派我来的——他叫卡奇曼,是吧?你跟他谈不到一块,是吧?啊,我跟他也谈不到一块.依我看,他可不是我们那样的人.不过,眼前这封信,是他授权我来作为你的辩护人.你要看一看吗?"
他和颜悦色、信心十足地将那封信从狭窄的铁栅栏里塞了进去.克莱德迟疑而又好奇地朝铁栅栏这边走过来.这个人说话的声音里,有一种真心诚意、异乎寻常、好象是同情谅解的调子,这使克莱德一下子来了勇气.于是,他不再犹豫,拿起信来看了一下,跟着微微一笑,将信还给了来人.
"得了,我早就这么想过了,"贝尔纳普信心十足地继续说,对自己一下子取得的效果很感满意——依他看,完全应该归功于他的那种巨大的个人魅力."这就更好了.我知道,我们准合得来.这我可看得出来.你一定能跟我开诚相见地谈,有如你同母亲谈一样.而且,你也不用担心你跟我谈的哪一句话,会传到别人耳朵里,除非你自己乐意让它传出去,明白吧?因为只要你同意,克莱德,我就出任你的辩护律师,你就是我的委托人.明天或是随你说什么时候,我们要一块坐下来,你就把你认为我应该知道的事通通告诉我;而我就要对你说,我认为我应该知道哪些事情,以及我到底能不能帮助你.而且,我还要向你证明:不管是在哪一方面,你帮助了我,其实也就是帮助了你自己,明白吧?可我怎么也得拚上我的老命,要把你从这个案子里拖出来.现在,你倒说说看,怎么样,克莱德?"
他充满鼓励、同情——甚至亲昵地微微一笑.克莱德觉得这是他入狱后头一次找到了一个他信得过,而又绝无危险的人,他心里已经在琢磨,也许最好把所有一切——每一件事——一古脑儿都告诉这个人.至于他为什么会这样,连他自己也说不上来,反正贝尔纳普他是喜欢的.克莱德马上——尽管还是朦朦胧胧地——觉得,只要这个人全都——或是差不多全都——知道的话,他就会了解他的,说不定甚至还会同情他的.后来,贝尔纳普又向克莱德详细介绍他的对手——梅森——如何恨不得马上给他定罪判刑;还说只要他能设计出一个合理的辩护方案,他又如何十拿九稳,使这个案子拖下去,直到这个人卸去地方检察官职务时为止.于是,克莱德便说,贝尔纳普最好让他今天夜里好好地思考一下,那末,到了明天,或是随贝尔纳普的便,什么时候再回来,他就要把所有一切都向这位辩护律师和盘托出.
转天,贝尔纳普坐在一只凳子上,嘴里嚼着一条条巧克力,仔细地倾听着.克莱德坐在自己铁床上,向贝尔纳普陈述个人经历——从他来到莱柯格斯以后生活中的所有情节说起,比方说,他是怎样到这里来的,为什么要来,以及在堪萨斯城轧死一小孩的不幸事故(不过,他并没有提到他给自己保留的、后来却又遗忘了的那份剪报);他跟罗伯达的幽会,对她充满情欲,使她怀了孕,后来他又怎样想方设法让她摆脱困境.他谈着,谈着,一直谈到,她如何吓唬他,说要揭发他,最后,他在万分绝望和惊恐之下碰巧看到《时代联合报》上那条新闻,自己就想何不也仿效一下.不过,贝尔纳普必须明白,这个他自己是怎么也策划不出来的.到了最后一刻,他也不是存心要把她害死的.不,他并没有害死她.不管贝尔纳普先生是怎么想的,但是这一点必须相信克莱德.他从来没有故意砸过她.不,不,不!这是一个不幸事故.他是有一架照相机的,据说有一副三脚架给梅森找到了,那当然就是他的三脚架.他在无意中用照相机砸了罗伯达,随后眼看着照相机沉入湖底了.于是,他把那副三脚架藏匿在一根圆木底下.那架照相机,毫无疑问,如今还在湖底,里头胶卷只要没有被湖水泡坏,上面还有他本人跟罗伯达拍摄的像片.反正他从来没有故意砸过她.不,他从来也没有呀.是她身子向他探过来,他碰了她一下,但决不是故意的.小船一下子翻掉了.随后,他尽可能把当时情况说得更准确,说他在翻船面前如何惊恐失措,简直是呆若木鸡似的,因为当时他已在那条犯罪的路上走得那么远,再也无法走得更远了.
这个离奇的故事,终于使贝尔纳普也感到心烦意乱了.依他看,这一切简直没法向这里荒僻林区的任何一个普通陪审团提出来,更不用说让他们相信这些恶毒、残酷的计划与行动竟然都是毫无恶意的.最后,贝尔纳普简直腻味透顶,满腹狐疑,甚至心乱如麻,站了起来,两手搭在克莱德肩膀上,说:"嗯,我想,今天讲到这儿就得了,克莱德.你心中的感受,以及这一切发生经过,我全都明白了.我也知道你该有多累了.我很高兴你能把这一切真相全讲给我听,因为我知道要你讲这些,该有多难受呀.但现在我不要你再多讲了.以后我们日子还长着呢.再说,暂时我还有几件事要兼顾一下,到明天或是后天,我要把这个案子里头一些细节跟你谈一谈.现在,你先躺下来睡,暂时休息一下吧.不久我们两个就要开始工作了,你非得有饱满的精力不可.不过,暂时你不要发愁,因为这压根儿就犯不着担心嘛,明白吧?我——说得更确切些——是我们——我的同事和我想要把你从这一事件中拖出来.我有一个同事,我马上要把他带到这儿来.谅你也一定会喜欢他的.不过,有两个条件,我希望你能考虑一下,而且还要坚决遵守——第一,你千万不要一见到什么人,自己先就给吓坏了,因为不管是我也好,还是我的同事也好,反正每天要来这儿一趟的.你想要说些什么,或是想要知道些什么,你尽管可以对我们说就得了.第二,你不得同任何人说话——不管是梅森、执法官,或是这些监狱看守,哪一个人都不行——除非我关照你可以这么做.不管是谁,都不准说——你听见了吧!顶顶要紧的是——再也不要哭鼻子.因为,不管你象天使一样清白也好,还是象魔鬼一样恶毒也好,顶顶要不得的,就是——你在人家面前哭鼻子.不管公众也好,还是这些监狱看守也好,他们并不了解这个——人家始终把泪水看成一种软弱,或是自己供认有罪.我决不希望人家对你抱有类似这样看法,特别是我已经明白,事实上你并没有犯罪.这一点现在我明白了,而且也是相信的.你明白吧!所以,你在梅森等人面前,就得表现坚定沉着.
"其实,从现在起,我希望你就不妨开始来一点儿格格大笑——至少也要笑眯眯的,乐呵呵的,跟这儿所有人都得寒暄道好.你知道吧,司法界有一句老话:只要知道自己无罪,定能处之泰然.记住自己是无罪的,别让人家看到你有犯罪的神态.切莫愁眉不展呆坐在这儿冥思苦索,让人看到你好象连一个朋友都没有——但事实上,你并不是这样.有我在这儿哩——还有我的同事,杰夫森先生,我们都同你在一起.过一两天,我要把他带来.你对待他的态度,就要象对待我的态度一个样.要信任他,因为他精通法律,在某些方面比我还要强.明天,我要带一些书报杂志给你,我希望你随便翻翻,或是看看那些插图也好.反正可以让你消消闷,解解愁呗."
克莱德淡淡地一笑,点点头.
"哦,还有一件事——我可不知道你现在信不信教——不过,不管你信也好,不信也好,这儿监狱里星期天照例做礼拜的,我劝你要经常参加——这就是说,只要人家邀你参加的话.因为,这儿人人都信教,我倒是希望你尽可能给人留下一个好印象.至于别人对你有什么议论,或是对你看法如何,你先不要放在心上——你只要照我的话儿去做就得了.但是,如果说梅森这个家伙,或是这儿哪一个人再来跟你胡搅蛮缠,给我写个条子就得了.
"现在,我该走了,我出门时,你要乐哈哈地对我笑一笑,下次我一进门时,你也要这样笑一笑来迎接我.还有,不许胡扯——明白了吧?"
随后,他使劲地晃了晃克莱德的肩膀,拍拍他的后背,便迈开大步走出了牢房.其实,这时他心里却在思忖:"请问,我真的相信这小子象他所说的自己无罪吗?砸了一个姑娘,还不知道他这是故意砸的,这可能吗?过后,他就泅水游到别处去了,照他的说法,因为深怕一游到姑娘身边,说不定会被她拉住,也给淹死了.简直是卑鄙无耻!象他这样说法,十二个人①会相信吗?还有——那只手提箱、那两顶草帽、那套不翼而飞的衣服!可是他却赌誓发咒,说他是无意之中砸了她的.但他那一整套的计划——真实意图——从法律观点来看,还不是同样犯罪了吗.他说的是实话呢,还是直到此刻继续在撒谎?也许是想欺骗他自己,同时也在欺骗我吧?还有那架照相机——本来我们应该在梅森找到和当众出示以前早就弄到手的.还有那套衣服.我应该把它找到,也许还得公开地提一提,别让人家以为那套衣服是藏匿起来了——说它一直掌握在我们手里——已送到莱柯格斯去洗了.可是,不,不——等一等——这事我们还得好好琢磨琢磨不可."
①此处指大陪审团(通常由十二至二十三人组成).
就这样一点一点地暗自琢磨,同时,他又腻味地想到:最好也许压根儿不采用克莱德的说法,还不如干脆另编一套——那就是说,把克莱德的那个说法改动一下,让人看起来不是那么残酷,或是从法律观点来看,也不是那么迹近谋杀.
回复 引用 新鲜事
顶端
司凌。

ZxID：9742737

2429874鲜花 36鸡蛋

等级: 派派版主
配偶: 此微夜
原名：独爱穿越。
举报 只看该作者 82楼  发表于: 2013-10-25 0

Part 3 Chapter 15
Mr. Reuben Jephson was decidedly different from Belknap, Catchuman, Mason, Smillie--in fact any one, thusfar, who had seen Clyde or become legally interested in this case. He was young, tall, thin, rugged, brown, coolbut not cold spiritually, and with a will and a determination of the tensile strength of steel. And with a mental andlegal equipment which for shrewdness and self-interest was not unlike that of a lynx or a ferret. Those shrewd,steel, very light blue eyes in his brown face. The force and curiosity of the long nose. The strength of the handsand the body. He had lost no time, as soon as he discovered there was a possibility of their (Belknap & Jephson)taking over the defense of Clyde, in going over the minutes of the coroner's inquest as well as the doctors' reportsand the letters of Roberta and Sondra. And now being faced by Belknap who was explaining that Clyde did nowactually admit to having plotted to kill Roberta, although not having actually done so, since at the fatal moment,some cataleptic state of mind or remorse had intervened and caused him to unintentionally strike her--he merelystared without the shadow of a smile or comment of any kind.
　　"But he wasn't in such a state when he went out there with her, though?""No.""Nor when he swam away afterwards?""No.""Nor when he went through those woods, or changed to another suit and hat, or hid that tripod?""No.""Of course you know, constructively, in the eyes of the law, if we use his own story, he's just as guilty as thoughhe had struck her, and the judge would have to so instruct.""Yes, I know. I've thought of all that.""Well, then--""Well, I'll tell you, Jephson, it's a tough case and no mistake. It looks to me now as though Mason has all thecards. If we can get this chap off, we can get anybody off. But as I see it, I'm not so sure that we want to mentionthat cataleptic business yet--at least not unless we want to enter a plea of insanity or emotional insanity, orsomething like that--about like that Harry Thaw case, for instance." He paused and scratched his slightly graying temple dubiously.
　　"You think he's guilty, of course?" interpolated Jephson, dryly.
　　"Well, now, as astonishing as it may seem to you, no. At least, I'm not positive that I do. To tell you the truth,this is one of the most puzzling cases I have ever run up against. This fellow is by no means as hard as you think,or as cold--quite a simple, affectionate chap, in a way, as you'll see for yourself--his manner, I mean. He's onlytwenty-one or two. And for all his connections with these Griffiths, he's very poor--just a clerk, really. And hetells me that his parents are poor, too. They run a mission of some kind out west--Denver, I believe--and beforethat in Kansas City. He hasn't been home in four years. In fact, he got into some crazy boy scrape out there inKansas City when he was working for one of the hotels as a bell-boy, and had to run away. That's somethingwe've got to look out for in connection with Mason--whether he knows about that or not. It seems he and a bunchof other bell-hops took some rich fellow's car without his knowing it, and then because they were afraid of beinglate, they ran over and killed a little girl. We've got to find out about that and prepare for it, for if Mason doesknow about it, he'll spring it at the trial, and just when he thinks we're least expecting it.""Well, he won't pull that one," replied Jephson, his hard, electric, blue eyes gleaming, "not if I have to go toKansas City to find out."And Belknap went on to tell Jephson all that he knew about Clyde's life up to the present time--how he hadworked at dish-washing, waiting on table, soda-clerking, driving a wagon, anything and everything, before hehad arrived in Lycurgus--how he had always been fascinated by girls--how he had first met Roberta and laterSondra. Finally how he found himself trapped by one and desperately in love with the other, whom he could nothave unless he got rid of the first one.
　　"And notwithstanding all that, you feel a doubt as to whether he did kill her?" asked Jephson, at the conclusion ofall this.
　　"Yes, as I say, I'm not at all sure that he did. But I do know that he is still hipped over this second girl. Hismanner changed whenever he or I happened to mention her. Once, for instance, I asked him about his relationswith her--and in spite of the fact that he's accused of seducing and killing this other girl, he looked at me asthough I had said something I shouldn't have--insulted him or her." And here Belknap smiled a wry smile, whileJephson, his long, bony legs propped against the walnut desk before him, merely stared at him.
　　"You don't say," he finally observed.
　　"And not only that," went on Belknap, "but he said, 'Why, no, of course not. She wouldn't allow anything likethat, and besides,' and then he stopped. 'And besides what, Clyde,' I asked. 'Well, you don't want to forget whoshe is.' 'Oh, I see,' I said. And then, will you believe it, he wanted to know if there wasn't some way by which hername and those letters she wrote him couldn't be kept out of the papers and this case--her family prevented fromknowing so that she and they wouldn't be hurt too much.""Not really? But what about the other girl?""That's just the point I'm trying to make. He could plot to kill one girl and maybe even did kill her, for all I know,after seducing her, but because he was being so sculled around by his grand ideas of this other girl, he didn'tquite know what he was doing, really. Don't you see? You know how it is with some of these young fellows ofhis age, and especially when they've never had anything much to do with girls or money, and want to besomething grand.""You think that made him a little crazy, maybe?" put in Jephson.
　　"Well, it's possible--confused, hypnotized, loony--you know--a brain storm as they say down in New York. Buthe certainly is still cracked over that other girl. In fact, I think most of his crying in jail is over her. He wascrying, you know, when I went in to see him, sobbing as if his heart would break."Meditatively Belknap scratched his right ear. "But just the same, there certainly is something to this other idea-thathis mind was turned by all this--that Alden girl forcing him on the one hand to marry her while the other girlwas offering to marry him. I know. I was once in such a scrape myself." And here he paused to relate that toJephson. "By the way," he went on, "he says we can find that item about that other couple drowning in TheTimes-Union of about June 18th or 19th.""All right," replied Jephson, "I'll get it.""What I want you to do to-morrow," continued Belknap, "is to go over there with me and see what impressionyou get of him. I'll be there to see if he tells it all to you in the same way. I want your own individual viewpointof him.""You most certainly will get it," snapped Jephson.
　　Belknap and Jephson proceeded the next day to visit Clyde in jail. And Jephson, after interviewing him andmeditating once more on his strange story, was even then not quite able to make up his mind whether Clyde wasas innocent of intending to strike Roberta as he said, or not. For if he were, how could he have swum awayafterward, leaving her to drown? Decidedly it would be more difficult for a jury than for himself, even, to beconvinced.
　　At the same time, there was that contention of Belknap's as to the possibility of Clyde's having been mentallyupset or unbalanced at the time that he accepted The Times-Union plot and proceeded to act on it. That might betrue, of course, yet personally, to Jephson at least, Clyde appeared to be wise and sane enough now. As Jephsonsaw him, he was harder and more cunning than Belknap was willing to believe--a cunning, modified of course,by certain soft and winning social graces for which one could hardly help liking him. However, Clyde was by nomeans as willing to confide in Jephson as he had been in Belknap--an attitude which did little to attract Jephsonto him at first. At the same time, there was about Jephson a hard, integrated earnestness which soon convincedClyde of his technical, if not his emotional interest. And after a while he began looking toward this younger man,even more than toward Belknap as the one who might do most for him.
　　"Of course, you know that those letters which Miss Alden wrote you are very strong?" began Jephson, afterhearing Clyde restate his story.
　　"Yes, sir.""They're very sad to any one who doesn't know all of the facts, and on that account they are likely to prejudiceany jury against you, especially when they're put alongside Miss Finchley's letters.""Yes, I suppose they might," replied Clyde, "but then, she wasn't always like that, either. It was only after she gotin trouble and I wanted her to let me go that she wrote like that.""I know. I know. And that's a point we want to think about and maybe bring out, if we can. If only there weresome way to keep those letters out," he now turned to Belknap to say. Then, to Clyde, "but what I want to askyou now is this--you were close to her for something like a year, weren't you?""Yes.""In all of that time that you were with her, or before, was she ever friendly, or maybe intimate, with any otheryoung man anywhere--that is, that you know of?"As Clyde could see, Jephson was not afraid, or perhaps not sufficiently sensitive, to refrain from presenting anythought or trick that seemed to him likely to provide a loophole for escape. But, far from being cheered by thissuggestion, he was really shocked. What a shameful thing in connection with Roberta and her character it wouldbe to attempt to introduce any such lie as this. He could not and would not hint at any such falsehood, and so hereplied:
　　"No, sir. I never heard of her going with any one else. In fact, I know she didn't.""Very good! That settles that," snapped Jephson. "I judged from her letters that what you say is true. At the sametime, we must know all the facts. It might make a very great difference if there were some one else."And at this point Clyde could not quite make sure whether he was attempting to impress upon him the value ofthis as an idea or not, but just the same he decided it was not right even to consider it. And yet he was thinking: Ifonly this man could think of a real defense for me! He looks so shrewd.
　　"Well, then," went on Jephson, in the same hard, searching tone, devoid, as Clyde saw it, of sentiment or pity ofany kind, "here's something else I want to ask you. In all the time that you knew her, either before you wereintimate with her or afterwards, did she ever write you a mean or sarcastic or demanding or threatening letter ofany kind?""No, sir, I can't say that she ever did," replied Clyde, "in fact, I know she didn't. No, sir. Except for those few lastones, maybe--the very last one.""And you never wrote her any, I suppose?""No, sir, I never wrote her any letters.""Why?""Well, she was right there in the factory with me, you see. Besides at the last there, after she went home, I wasafraid to.""I see."At the same time, as Clyde now proceeded to point out, and that quite honestly, Roberta could be far from sweet-tempered at times--could in fact be quite determined and even stubborn. And she had paid no least attention tohis plea that her forcing him to marry her now would ruin him socially as well as in every other way, and thateven in the face of his willingness to work along and pay for her support--an attitude which, as he now describedit, was what had caused all the trouble--whereas Miss Finchley (and here he introduced an element of reverenceand enthusiasm which Jephson was quick to note) was willing to do everything for him.
　　"So you really loved that Miss Finchley very much then, did you?""Yes, sir.""And you couldn't care for Roberta any more after you met her?""No, no. I just couldn't.""I see," observed Jephson, solemnly nodding his head, and at the same time meditating on how futile anddangerous, even, it might be to let the jury know that. And then thinking that possibly it were best to follow theprevious suggestion of Belknap's, based on the customary legal proceeding of the time, and claim insanity, or abrain storm, brought about by the terrifying position in which he imagined himself to be. But apart from that henow proceeded:
　　"You say something came over you when you were in the boat out there with her on that last day--that you reallydidn't know what you were doing at the time that you struck her?""Yes, sir, that's the truth." And here Clyde went on to explain once more just what his state was at that time.
　　"All right, all right, I believe you," replied Jephson, seemingly believing what Clyde said but not actually able toconceive it at that. "But you know, of course, that no jury, in the face of all these other circumstances, is going tobelieve that," he now announced. "There are too many things that'll have to be explained and that we can't verywell explain as things now stand. I don't know about that idea." He now turned and was addressing Belknap.
　　"Those two hats, that bag--unless we're going to plead insanity or something like that. I'm not so sure about allthis. Was there ever any insanity in your family that you know of?" he now added, turning to Clyde once more.
　　"No, sir, not that I know of.""No uncle or cousin or grandfather who had fits or strange ideas or anything like that?""Not that I ever heard of, no, sir.""And your rich relatives down there in Lycurgus--I suppose they'd not like it very much if I were to step up andtry to prove anything like that?""I'm afraid they wouldn't, no, sir," replied Clyde, thinking of Gilbert.
　　"Well, let me see," went on Jephson after a time. "That makes it rather hard. I don't see, though, that anythingelse would be as safe." And here he turned once more to Belknap and began to inquire as to what he thought ofsuicide as a theory, since Roberta's letters themselves showed a melancholy trend which might easily have led tothoughts of suicide. And could they not say that once out on the lake with Clyde and pleading with him to marryher, and he refusing to do so, she had jumped overboard. And he was too astounded and mentally upset to try tosave her.
　　"But what about his own story that the wind had blown his hat off, and in trying to save that he upset the boat?"interjected Belknap, and exactly as though Clyde were not present.
　　"Well, that's true enough, too, but couldn't we say that perhaps, since he was morally responsible for hercondition, which in turn had caused her to take her life, he did not want to confess to the truth of her suicide?"At this Clyde winced, but neither now troubled to notice him. They talked as though he was not present or couldhave no opinion in the matter, a procedure which astonished but by no means moved him to object, since he wasfeeling so helpless.
　　"But the false registrations! The two hats--the suit--his bag!" insisted Belknap staccatically, a tone which showedClyde how serious Belknap considered his predicament to be.
　　"Well, whatever theory we advance, those things will have to be accounted for in some way," replied Jephson,dubiously. "We can't admit the true story of his plotting without an insanity plea, not as I see it--at any rate. Andunless we use that, we've got that evidence to deal with whatever we do." He threw up his hands wearily and as ifto say: I swear I don't know what to do about this.
　　"But," persisted Belknap, "in the face of all that, and his refusal to marry her, after his promises referred to in herletters--why, it would only react against him, so that public opinion would be more prejudiced against him thanever. No, that won't do," he concluded. "We'll have to think of something which will create some sort ofsympathy for him."And then once more turning to Clyde as though there had been no such discussion. And looking at him as muchas to say: "You are a problem indeed." And then Jephson, observing: "And, oh, yes, that suit you dropped in thatlake up there near the Cranstons'--describe the spot to me as near as you can where you threw it--how far fromthe house was it?" He waited until Clyde haltingly attempted to recapture the various details of the hour and thescene as he could recall it.
　　"If I could go up there, I could find it quick enough.""Yes, I know, but they won't let you go up there without Mason being along," he returned. "And maybe not eventhen. You're in prison now, and you can't be taken out without the state's consent, you see. But we must get thatsuit." Then turning to Belknap and lowering his voice, he added: "We want to get it and have it cleaned andsubmit it as having been sent away to be cleaned by him--not hidden, you see.""Yes, that's so," commented Belknap idly while Clyde stood listening curiously and a little amazed by this frankprogram of trickery and deception on his behalf.
　　"And now in regard to that camera that fell in the lake--we have to try and find that, too. I think maybe Masonmay know about it or suspect that it's there. At any rate it's very important that we should find it before he does.
　　You think that about where that pole was that day you were up there is where the boat was when it overturned?""Yes, sir.""Well, we must see if we can get that," he continued, turning to Belknap. "We don't want that turning up in thetrial, if we can help it. For without that, they'll have to be swearing that he struck her with that tripod orsomething that he didn't, and that's where we may trip 'em up.""Yes, that's true, too," replied Belknap.
　　"And now in regard to the bag that Mason has. That's another thing I haven't seen yet, but I will see it to-morrow.
　　Did you put that suit, as wet as it was, in the bag when you came out of the water?""No, sir, I wrung it out first. And then I dried it as much as I could. And then I wrapped it up in the paper that wehad the lunch in and then put some dry pine needles underneath it in the bag and on top of it""So there weren't any wet marks in the bag after you took it out, as far as you know?""No, sir, I don't think so.""But you're not sure?""Not exactly sure now that you ask me--no, sir.""Well, I'll see for myself to-morrow. And now as to those marks on her face, you have never admitted to any onearound here or anywhere that you struck her in any way?""No, sir.""And the mark on the top of her head was made by the boat, just as you said?""Yes, sir.""But the others you think you might have made with the camera?""Yes, sir. I suppose they were.""Well, then, this is the way it looks to me," said Jephson, again turning to Belknap. "I think we can safely saywhen the time comes that those marks were never made by him at all, see?--but by the hooks and the poles withwhich they were scraping around up there when they were trying to find her. We can try it, anyhow. And if thehooks and poles didn't do it," he added, a little grimly and dryly, "certainly hauling her body from that lake tothat railroad station and from there to here on the train might have.""Yes, I think Mason would have a hard time proving that they weren't made that way," replied Belknap.
　　"And as for that tripod, well, we'd better exhume the body and make our own measurements, and measure thethickness of the edge of that boat, so that it may not be so easy for Mason to make any use of the tripod now thathe has it, after all."Mr. Jephson's eyes were very small and very clear and very blue, as he said this. His head, as well as his body,had a thin, ferrety look. And it seemed to Clyde, who had been observing and listening to all this with awe, thatthis younger man might be the one to aid him. He was so shrewd and practical, so very direct and chill andindifferent and yet confidence-inspiring, quite like an uncontrollable machine of a kind which generates power.
　　And when at last these two were ready to go, he was sorry. For with them near him, planning and plotting inregard to himself, he felt so much safer, stronger, more hopeful, more certain of being free, maybe, at somefuture date.
第十五章
鲁本·杰夫森先生跟贝尔纳普、卡奇曼、梅森、斯米利显然不同——事实上,跟迄今所有见过克莱德,或是对这个案子表示关注的人都不一样.他是个身材瘦长、肤色黝黑的年轻人,长相很粗,头脑冷静,处事并不冷峻,却具有坚如钢铁一般的意志和决心.他爱动脑筋,擅长诉讼,练就一套本领,活象一头猞猁或是一头雪貂那么机灵乖巧,可又私心极重.他那黝黑的脸盘上,长着一双灵巧、坚定的淡蓝色眼睛.他那个长长的鼻子,显示出富有力度和好奇心.他的那一双手和他的身躯,也都很强劲有力.他一发现他们(贝尔纳普与杰夫森事务所)有可能承揽为克莱德辩护的任务,就抓紧时间,研究验尸官的验尸记录、几位医生的报告结论,以及罗伯达和桑德拉的那些信件.这时,贝尔纳普当面向他说明现在克莱德承认自己确实策划过要把罗伯达害死,尽管他实际上没有这么做,因为就在这千钧一发之际,他一下子惊呆了,或者说是他的悔恨之心油然而生,所以他只是无意之中砸了她——听完这一切,杰夫森仅仅两眼直瞪着贝尔纳普,既不发表什么意见,脸上也没有一丝笑容.
"不过,他跟她一块去湖上时,并不是处在这样一种惊呆状态吧?"
"不是的."
"后来他泅水游到别处去的时候,也不是这样吧?"
"不是的."
"他穿过树林子,或是另换一套衣服和一顶帽子,或是把三脚架藏匿起来的时候,也不是这样吧?"
"不是的."
"当然罗,你也明白,如果我们采用他的这一套说法,那末,从法律观点上来推断,他现在的情况就如同他砸过她一样,是犯了罪的,而且法官也非得这样判决不可."
"是的,我明白.这一切我全都想到过了."
"嗯,那末——"
"哦,杰夫森,我跟你说,这是一个棘手的案子,准没有错.现在依我看,似乎梅森稳操胜券.我们要是能让这小子逍遥法外了,那末,我们就能让任何人逍遥法外啦.只不过我觉得,现在我们还犯不着提出他惊呆了这一点——至少,提出了这一点,我们就要辩护说他患有精神病,或是感情错乱,或是诸如此类——比方说,如同哈里·索那个案子那样——明白了吧?"他迟疑不语,犹豫不决地搔了一下他那略呈苍白的脸颊.
"你当然认为他是犯了罪吧?"杰夫森干巴巴地插嘴说."哦,喏,你也许会觉得大吃一惊,不!至少我还不肯定地相信是那样.老实说,这是我承揽的最难办的案子之一.这个小伙子决不是象你想象的那么心狠,或是那么冷酷——可以说倒是相当老实,颇有柔情的,这你自己也会看出来——我说的是他的态度.他才只有二十一、二岁.尽管跟格里菲思家确有近亲关系,可他本人很穷——说实话,才不过是一名普普通通的职员.他还跟我说,他父母也很穷.他们办了一个教堂什么的,是在西部——我记得是在丹佛吧——而早先是在堪萨斯城.他已有四个年头没有回家了.事实上,他在堪萨斯城一家酒店里当侍应生时,跟一些胡闹的小伙子一块卷进了一件荒唐事,后来不得不从那儿逃跑了.这件事我们可得提防一下梅森——不管他是不是知道了.事情好象是这样的:他跟一小拨侍应生偷偷地把一个有钱人的一辆汽车开走了,后来他们怕时间来不及,怕上班迟到,就拚命开快车,结果把一个小女孩给轧死了.我们还得把这件事了解清楚,以备不时之需,因为如果梅森也知道了,他会在本案开庭时突然把它提出来,以为我们决不会想到这一着."
"得了,他来不及露这一手,"杰夫森不以为然地回答说.瞧他那双炯炯有神的蓝眼睛在闪闪发光."只要我去堪萨斯城调查一下就得了."
接着,贝尔纳普把他了解到的克莱德迄至目前为止的一些经历,悉数讲给杰夫森听——讲他在到莱柯格斯以前在饭馆里洗过碟子,侍候过客人,在冷饮柜当过小伙计,开过送货车子,反正一句话,什么活儿都干过——讲他动不动就被姑娘们迷住了——讲他第一次如何遇到罗伯达,后来又遇到了桑德拉.最后讲到他怎样跟一个姑娘陷入困境,却又狂恋着另一个姑娘,要是不把头一个姑娘甩脱掉,那末,第二个姑娘就断断乎到不了手.
"既然有这么多情况,你还怀疑他有没有害死那个姑娘吗?"杰夫森一听完就开口问道.
"是啊,我早就对你说过了,我还不能肯定地认为是他害死了她.不过,我确实知道,至今他还在深深地迷恋第二个姑娘.每当他或是我偶尔提到了她,他的一举一动,一颦一笑,也就为之一变.比方说,有一回,我问起他跟她的关系到了怎样的地步——尽管现在人家告发他诱奸和杀害了另一个姑娘——可他只是望了我一眼,好象我说话孟浪,侮辱了他或是侮辱了她似的."说到这儿,贝尔纳普苦笑了一下,杰夫森把两长条瘦腿搁到面前的胡桃木写字桌上,两眼一个劲儿直瞅着他.
"是真的吗,"后来他说话了.
"不仅这样,"贝尔纳普接下去说,"他还说'哦,不,当然没有罗.她决不让干这等事的,而且以后,'说到这儿,他就不说下去了.'而且以后,克莱德?'我问他.'哦,别忘了她是谁呀.''哦,我明白了.'我说.随后,你信不信,他还想知道有没有办法在各报上和开庭时都不要提到她的芳名和她写给他的那些信——别让她家里人知道,这样就不会使她和他们的声誉受到太大的影响."
"真的是这样吗?可是,那另一个姑娘又怎么样呢?""我正想说的,就是这一点.据我了解,他在诱奸之后曾经想过要把她杀害,甚至可能确实把她杀害了.不过,他对另一个姑娘,简直是想入非非,给弄得昏头昏脑了,说实话,连他自己也不很明白他究竟干了什么事.你明白了吧?你也知道,象他这个岁数的一些年轻人常有的事,特别是有这么一些人,他们对女人、对金钱全然没有打过什么交道,却一个劲儿梦想赶明儿自己前程似锦."
"你觉得他也许就这样有点儿疯疯癫癫了,是吧?"杰夫森插了一句说.
"哦,很可能——他心里乱了,恍恍惚惚,有点儿精神错乱了——你也知道,照纽约人的说法,是脑病暴发了.不过,他呀,当然罗,还在为另一个姑娘心肝欲裂哩.是啊,我觉得,他在牢房里哭,十之八九就是为了她.知道吧,我进去看他的时候,他正在哭,哭得好象心都快要碎了似的."
贝尔纳普若有所思地搔了一下右耳朵."不过,不管怎么说,这一切把他思想都给搞糊涂了——这种说法,当然是有点道理——因为一方面,奥尔登这个姑娘逼他跟她结婚,而与此同时,另一个姑娘却又乐意嫁给他.这我很了解.我自己就碰到过这样的困境."说到这儿,他顿住了一会儿,再把那件事讲给杰夫森听."顺便提一下,"贝尔纳普接着说,"他说过,我们不妨把六月十八日或十九日《时代联合报》找来,看看另一对恋人双双溺死的新闻."
"那敢情好,"杰夫森回答说."我这就找去.""我希望你明天,"贝尔纳普继续说道."跟我一块上那儿去,看看你对此人有什么印象.我就在那儿旁观,看看他是不是也同样把这一切都告诉你.我希望能听听你对他的个人看法."
"这当然没有问题,"杰夫森干脆利索地说.
转天,贝尔纳普和杰夫森一块去监狱看克莱德.杰夫森跟他谈过了以后,又在暗自琢磨他所讲的离奇故事.即使在这时,他依然不能肯定:克莱德是真的象他自己所说的并非故意砸了罗伯达,或者还是故意的.因为,如果不是故意的,那他随后怎么会泅水游到别处去,让她活活地淹死呢?这件事连他杰夫森都难以相信,因此,要陪审团相信,显然就难上加难了.
这时,贝尔纳普却提出了一个论点,说可能当时克莱德精神错乱、神志不清,因此,他便依照《时代联合报》上报道的办法干了起来.当然,这一点也可能确实如此,不过,至少从杰夫森个人观点来看,现在克莱德还是相当聪明,相当理智.杰夫森认为,克莱德要比贝尔纳普想象中的这个人更心狠、更狡猾——这种狡猾自然已被他那种温文尔雅、富有魅力的举止谈吐所掩饰,因而使人们禁不住都喜欢他.可是,克莱德同杰夫森交谈时远不如对待贝尔纳普那么乐意,那么信任——因此这种态度一开头就不能博得杰夫森对他的同情.不过,杰夫森的那种坚决,认真作风,却很快让克莱德相信,他的案子已引起了杰夫森那种如果说不是易动感情便是出于职业上的兴趣.过了半晌,他开始估摸:这个年纪较轻的人,说不定更能替他效力,因此,他寄予杰夫森的期望甚至超过了对贝尔纳普的期望.
"当然,你也明白,奥尔登小姐写给你的那些信,是非常有力的证据,是吧?"杰夫森听完克莱德又念叨了一遍自己的事之后说.
"是的,先生."
"那些信让每一个不了解全部底细的人看了,一定会觉得很惨.因此,这很可能使任何一个陪审团都会对你产生反感,特别是把那些信跟芬奇利小姐写给你的信放在一起,进行对比."
"是的,我想那些信也许对我是不利的,"克莱德回答说."不过,要知道她并非总是那样的.只是在她碰到麻烦,我又要求她放我走的时候,她才那么写的."
"我知道.这个我知道.这个问题我们还得考虑一下,如果可能的话,说不定我们要在开庭时提出来.要是有什么办法在开庭时不提到那些信就好了,"他掉过头来,先是对贝尔纳普,接着又对克莱德说,"不过,现在我要问你的是——你跟她接近差不多有一年光景,是吧?"
"是的."
"你跟她在一起将近一年的时间里,或是在这以前,她在什么地方跟哪一个年轻人还有过交往,或者说甚至非常密切——我这是说,根据你所了解的情况谈谈?"
克莱德现在才明白,不管是任何一种想法,或是任何一种花招,只要杰夫森觉得有可能成为一个逃脱法网的借口,他就会毫不畏惧、一本正经地把它提出来的.殊不知克莱德听了上述这个暗示,不但没有喜形于色,说实话,反而让他大吃一惊.多么卑鄙下流,竟然想对罗伯达及其人品编造这一类谎话!他对类似这样的弄虚作假的勾当,既不能,也不愿作出任何提示.于是,他回答说:
"不,先生.我从来没听说过她还跟其他什么人有交往.实话实说,这种事我知道她从来是没有的."
"好极了!这样也就明确了,"杰夫森抢先说了."根据她的那些信,我断定你说的是实话.不过,我们还得把全部事实了解清楚.万一发现还有什么别人的话,那事情恐怕就会完全变了样."
至此,克莱德简直还闹不明白,杰夫森是不是真的有意让他领会到上述这个点子很有价值.可是,不管怎么说,他还是认为自己甚至不应该有这种想法的.但他心里却在寻思:只要这个人能想出如何真正有力地为我辩护的方案来就好了!看来他是够机灵的.
"那末,好吧,"杰夫森接下去说,听他的语调还是那么严峻,好象继续在搜索似的,克莱德觉得,简直连一点儿同情或是怜悯心也都没有."还有一点事我要问你.打从你认识她以来,不管是在你跟她来往密切之前或是之后,她有没有给你写过内容卑鄙、语多讥讽,或是提出任何要求、进行恐吓的信?""没有,先生,我可不记得她写过这类信,"克莱德回答说."事实上,我知道她从没有写过.不,她从没有写过,先生.也许除了最后几封信——那最后一封信."
"我说,好象你从来没有给她写过信,是吧?"
"没有,先生,我从来没有给她写过信."
"为什么呢?"
"哦,她是跟我一块在厂里的,你明白了吧.再说,最后她回老家去了,我就害怕给她写信."
"啊,我可明白了."
这时克莱德才开始指出,而且也是相当实在地说,有时罗伯达可能远不是那么温顺听话的——事实上,她是非常坚决、甚至倔强得很.尽管他向她进行解释,说现在她逼着他要立时跟她结婚,会把他的社会地位和整个前程全都断送了,可她一点儿也不理会.甚至连克莱德表明愿意一面工作,一面赡养她,她也一点儿都不理会——她这种态度,据他现在说法,乃是引起所有一切灾难的原因——然而,芬奇利小姐(说到这儿,他的语调里充满了崇敬和兴奋的劲儿,杰夫森也马上发觉了),却愿意为他奉献一切.
"这么说来,你是真的很爱芬奇利小姐,是吧?"
"是的,先生."
"打从你同芬奇利小姐见面以后,你就再也不疼爱罗伯达了,是吧?"
"是的,是的.我实在没办法."
"我明白了,"杰夫森说,一面意味深长地点点头,一面却在暗自揣摸:这一切要是向陪审团汇报了,说不定不但无益,甚至还有害处哩.后来,他又转念一想,最好也许还是依照贝尔纳普原先根据当时可按惯例的合法程序所提出的建议,推说他患有精神病,或是脑病暴发,是由克莱德觉得自己陷入了一种极其可怕的境地所引起的.不过,杰夫森暂且撇开这个问题不谈,继续说:
"你说过,最后那一天,你跟她一块在船上的时候,你觉得有点儿不对头——你砸了她的时候,你真的不知道自己在干啥,是吧?"
"是的,先生,这确实如此."说到这儿,克莱德接下去又把他当时的情况复述了一遍.
"得了,得了,我相信你,"杰夫森回答说,似乎相信克莱德说的是真话,其实,他对上述情况还是压根儿不能理解."不过,你当然也知道,你的这种说法,根据所有其他情况来看,哪一个陪审团都不会相信的,"他正式声称."这个案子需要作出解释的事情是太多了,而且,根据目前情况来看,我们还无法把一件件事情都解释得清清楚楚.关于那个说法,我还不明白哩."这时,他转过身来对贝尔纳普说."那两顶帽子,那只手提箱——除非我们提出类似精神错乱等等的说法.我对这一切还不太有把握.你知不知道你家里有过精神错乱的人吗?"他又侧过身来问克莱德.
"没有,先生,我从来没有听说过."
"那你的什么叔叔伯伯,堂兄堂弟,或是祖父,过去没有突然发过疯癫病,或是什么吓人的怪事,等等?"
"没有,我从来没听说过,先生."
"要是我出来证明是有这等怪事的,你在莱柯格斯的有钱的亲戚,想必不会很高兴吧?"
"是啊,我怕他们不会很高兴的,先生,"克莱德嘴上回答说,心里却想到了吉尔伯特.
"哦,让我想一想,"不一会儿,杰夫森接着说."这就相当棘手了.不过,我还看不出有什么别的更稳妥的办法."说到这儿,他又扭过头去同贝尔纳普觉得自杀的说法究竟如何,反正罗伯达那些信字里行间流露出一种忧郁情调,这就很容易导致作出自杀的决定.他们能不能这样说:罗伯达跟克莱德一块在湖上时,要求他跟她结婚,被他拒绝了,她就一纵身跳入水中.他一下子吓得连自己都昏了过去,所以没有去搭救她.
"不过,他自己说是风把他的帽子给刮走了,他想去捡帽子,却把小船给翻掉了,对他这个说法,又是怎么看的?"贝尔纳普插话时的口吻,仿佛克莱德压根儿不在眼前似的."哦,这话当然不错.不过,我们能不能这么说:既然他对她身陷困境在道义上是有责任的,而这种困境反过来又促使她自寻短见,因此,他就不愿把她自杀的真相说出来.这样说法,到底行不行?"
克莱德听后突然往后退缩,可他们俩谁也没有注意到他.他们谈话时的神态,就象他压根儿不在眼前,或是对这个问题也不能表示自己的意见似的.对此,他尽管深感惊诧,但他并没有想到自己出来加以反对,因为他觉得自己对此实在已是无能为力.
"不过,登记时用假名字!那两顶帽子——那套衣服——他的手提箱!"贝尔纳普尽管断断续续地说,可还是坚持自己的意见.从他这种语气里让克莱德感到自己的处境在贝尔纳普看来该有多么严重.
"得了,不管我们提出的是哪一种说法,反正这些问题还得设法解释清楚的,"杰夫森迟疑地回答说."我们要是不借口说他精神错乱,那就无论如何也不能同意他那套计划的真实意图——不管怎么说,这是我的看法.而我们如果说不利用这么一个说法,好歹也还得设法对付这些证据嘛."他疲惫无力地举起双手,仿佛在说:说实话,我真不知道该怎么办才好.
"不过,要好好研究研究所有这些情况,"贝尔纳普坚持说."他拒绝跟她结婚,而从她信里看出,原先他已答应过了——是啊,要知道这只会给他带来坏处,而且使舆论对他的反感越来越深了.不,这个办法可要不得."最后他下了结论说."我们还得另想办法,使人们对他产生哪怕是一点儿同情也好."
随后,杰夫森又一次向克莱德转过身来,仿佛刚才这番讨论压根儿没有似的,而且还望了他一眼,好象在说:"你真是个难题啊."杰夫森接着说:"哦,是啊,还有那套衣服,你是扔在克兰斯顿家附近湖里的——尽量给我说清楚,你是在哪儿把衣服扔下去的——那个地点离开那幢别墅有多远?"他等了一会儿,克莱德好不容易才把他记得的时间、地点等等细节说了出来.
"我要是能去那儿,一下子准把它找到."
"是啊,这我知道.不过,没有梅森跟你一块去,他们是不会让你去那儿的,"他回答说."也许尽管有梅森一块去,他们甚至也还不同意你去的.现在你是关押在牢房里呀,没有得到本州当局许可,不能带你出去,明白吗.不过,那套衣服我们非得找到不可."接着,他向贝尔纳普侧转脸去,压低声音,找补着说:"我们可要把它寻摸到,交给洗衣店洗洗干净,然后递交法庭,证明他是拿出去洗了的——并没有藏匿起来,明白吧.""哦,就是这样得了,"贝尔纳普漫不经心地说.克莱德站在一旁,听着好不奇怪.这是明目张胆为他策划的欺诈行径,不免让他感到有些惊诧.
"还有沉入湖底的那架照相机——我们也得设法找回来.我想,说不定梅森会知道这玩意儿,或是怀疑它在湖底.不管怎么说,我们就得抢在他前头,把它找回来,这可非常重要.那天你去的时候,那根竿子附近,就是翻船的地点,你说是吗?"
"是的,先生."
"嗯,我们可得想个办法,看看能不能把照相机寻摸到,"他转过身去对贝尔纳普说."我们尽可能不要在开庭时出示这个玩意儿.那时候他们就会赌咒说,他拿三脚架或是其他东西砸了她.这样,我们就可以叫他们跌交了."
"是的,说得也很对,"贝尔纳普回答说.
"现在还有落在梅森手里的那只箱子——我也还没有见到过,不过,明天我非得看一看不可.你从水里钻出来以后,就把当时还是湿漉漉的那套衣服放进手提箱里,是吗?""不,先生,我先是把它拧干,尽可能让它干一点.然后用午餐点心的包装纸裹了起来,这才放进手提箱里,底下还垫了一些枯干松针,上面也撒了一些."
"后来,你把那套衣服拿了出来,手提箱里有没有留下什么湿漉漉的印痕,你发觉了吗?"
"没有,先生,我想不会有的."
"不过,你不能肯定吧?"
"现在您问起了,我就不能十分肯定了——不,不能十分肯定了,先生."
"得了,明天我自己去看吧.至于她脸部的伤痕,你还从来没有对这儿或是任何地方的人承认,说是你砸了她?"
"没有,先生."
"还有,她头部的伤痕,正如你过去所说的,是给小船撞了的,是吧?"
"是的,先生."
"不过,其他的一些伤痕,依你看,也许被你的照相机砸过,是吗?"
"是的,先生.我看是这样."
"得了,依我看,这倒是一个办法,"杰夫森又回过头去对贝尔纳普说."我看,到时候我们不妨大胆说,这些伤痕压根儿不是他手砸的,明白了吧?而是他们在设法打捞她的时候,用一些铁钩和撑竿擦伤的.反正我们不妨用这样说法试一试.再说,即使不是铁钩和撑竿擦伤的,"他带着一点儿阴森森和干巴巴的语调补充说."把她的尸体从湖上运往火车站,又装到火车上,从那儿一直运到这儿,当然罗,磕磕碰碰,准定有伤痕呗."
"是啊,依我看,梅森要能证明伤痕不是这么磕碰出来的,那可不容易,"贝尔纳普回答说.
"至于那副三脚架,得了,我们最好还得把尸体挖出来,我们自己来量一量,那条小船的船帮,也要量一量.这样一来,梅森要利用三脚架做文章,也许就不那么容易了,尽管目前三脚架掌握在他手里."
杰夫森说这些话时,眼睛显得很小,很明亮,而且湛蓝湛蓝的.他的脑袋和身子望过去有点儿象雪貂的模样儿.克莱德一直在必恭必敬地旁观着、倾听着他们之间全部谈话,觉得:也许正是这个年纪轻轻的人,可以搭救他.此人精明灵巧,讲求实际,干脆利索,冷静沉着,足以使人激起自信心,简直象一台无法控制的、不断供给能源的巨大发电机.
到最后,这两个人打算走了,克莱德感到很难过.要知道,有他们在身边,为他出谋策划,他觉得安全得多,更坚强得多,而且有更大希望,更大把握,也许能在不久的将来重获自由.
第十六章
回复 引用 新鲜事
顶端
司凌。

ZxID：9742737

2429874鲜花 36鸡蛋

等级: 派派版主
配偶: 此微夜
原名：独爱穿越。
举报 只看该作者 83楼  发表于: 2013-10-25 0

Part 3 Chapter 16
The result of all this, however, was that it was finally decided that perhaps the easiest and safest defense thatcould be made, assuming that the Griffiths family of Lycurgus would submit to it, would be that of insanity or"brain storm"--a temporary aberration due to love and an illusion of grandeur aroused in Clyde by SondraFinchley and the threatened disruption by Roberta of all his dreams and plans. But after consultation withCatchuman and Darrah Brookhart at Lycurgus, and these in turn conferring with Samuel and Gilbert Griffiths, itwas determined that this would not do. For to establish insanity or "brain storm" would require previous evidenceor testimony to the effect that Clyde was of none too sound mind, erratic his whole life long, and with certainspecific instances tending to demonstrate how really peculiar he was--relatives (among them the Griffiths ofLycurgus themselves, perhaps), coming on to swear to it--a line of evidence, which, requiring as it would,outright lying and perjury on the part of many as well as reflecting on the Griffiths' blood and brain, wassufficient to alienate both Samuel and Gilbert to the extent that they would have none of it. And so Brookhartwas compelled to assure Belknap that this line of defense would have to be abandoned.
　　Such being the case, both Belknap and Jephson were once more compelled to sit down and consider. For any other defense which either could think of now seemed positively hopeless.
　　"I want to tell you one thing!" observed the sturdy Jephson, after thumbing through the letters of both Robertaand Sondra again. "These letters of this Alden girl are the toughest things we're going to have to face. They'relikely to make any jury cry if they're read right, and then to introduce those letters from that other girl on top ofthese would be fatal. It will be better, I think, if we do not mention hers at all, unless he does. It will only make itlook as though he had killed that Alden girl to get rid of her. Mason couldn't want anything better, as I see it."And with this Belknap agreed most heartily.
　　At the same time, some plan must be devised immediately. And so, out of these various conferences, it wasfinally deduced by Jephson, who saw a great opportunity for himself in this matter, that the safest possibledefense that could be made, and one to which Clyde's own suspicious and most peculiar actions would mostexactly fit, would be that he had never contemplated murder. On the contrary, being a moral if not a physicalcoward, as his own story seemed to suggest, and in terror of being exposed and driven out of Lycurgus and of theheart of Sondra, and never as yet having told Roberta of Sondra and thinking that knowledge of this great lovefor her (Sondra) might influence Roberta to wish to be rid of him, he had hastily and without any worse plan inmind, decided to persuade Roberta to accompany him to any near-by resort but not especially Grass Lake or BigBittern, in order to tell her all this and so win his freedom--yet not without offering to pay her expenses as nearlyas he could during her very trying period.
　　"All well and good," commented Belknap. "But that involves his refusing to marry her, doesn't it? And what juryis going to sympathize with him for that or believe that he didn't want to kill her?""Wait a minute, wait a minute," replied Jephson, a little testily. "So far it does. Sure. But you haven't heard me tothe end yet. I said I had a plan.""All right, then what is it?" replied Belknap most interested.
　　"Well, I'll tell you--my plan's this--to leave all the facts just as they are, and just as he tells them, and just asMason has discussed them so far, except, of course, his striking her--and then explain them--the letters, thewounds, the bag, the two hats, everything--not deny them in any way."And here he paused and ran his long, thin, freckled hands eagerly through his light hair and looked across thegrass of the public square to the jail where Clyde was, then toward Belknap again.
　　"All very good, but how?" queried Belknap.
　　"There's no other way, I tell you," went on Jephson quite to himself, and ignoring his senior, "and I think this willdo it." He turned to look out the window again, and began as though talking to some one outside: "He goes upthere, you see, because he's frightened and because he has to do something or be exposed. And he signs thoseregisters just as he did because he's afraid to have it known by anybody down there in Lycurgus that he is upthere. And he has this plan about confessing to her about this other girl. BUT," and now he paused and lookedfixedly at Belknap, "and this is the keystone of the whole thing--if this won't hold water, then down we go!
　　Listen! He goes up there with her, frightened, and not to marry her or to kill her but to argue with her to go away.
　　But once up there and he sees how sick she is, and tired, and sad-- well, you know how much she still loves him,and he spends two nights with her, see?""Yes, I see," interrupted Belknap, curiously, but not quite so dubiously now. "And that might explain thosenights.""MIGHT? Would!" replied Jephson, slyly and calmly, his harebell eyes showing only cold, eager, practical logic,no trace of emotion or even sympathy of any kind, really. "Well, while he's up there with her under thoseconditions--so close to her again, you see" (and his facial expression never altered so much as by a line) "heexperiences a change of heart. You get me? He's sorry for her. He's ashamed of himself--his sin against her. Thatought to appeal to these fellows around here, these religious and moral people, oughtn't it?""It might," quietly interpolated Belknap, who by now was very much interested and a little hopeful.
　　"He sees that he's done her a wrong," continued Jephson, intent, like a spider spinning a web, on his own plan,"and in spite of all his affection for this other girl, he's now ready to do the right thing by this Alden girl, do yousee, because he's sorry and ashamed of himself. That takes the black look off his plotting to kill her whilespending those two nights in Utica and Grass Lake with her.""He still loves the other girl, though?" interjected Belknap.
　　"Well, sure. He likes her at any rate, has been fascinated by that life down there and sort of taken out of himself,made over into a different person, but now he's ready to marry Roberta, in case, after telling her all about thisother girl and his love for her, she still wants him to.""I see. But how about the boat now and that bag and his going up to this Finchley girl's place afterwards?""Just a minute! Just a minute! I'll tell you about that," continued Jephson, his blue eyes boring into space like apowerful electric ray. "Of course, he goes out in the boat with her, and of course he takes that bag, and of coursehe signs those registers falsely, and walks away through those woods to that other girl, after Roberta is drowned.
　　But why? Why? Do you want to know why? I'll tell you! He felt sorry for her, see, and he wanted to marry her,or at least he wanted to do the right thing by her at the very last there. Not before, not before, remember, butAFTER he had spent a night with her in Utica and another one in Grass Lake. But once she was drowned--andaccidentally, of course, as he says, there was his love for that other girl. He hadn't ceased loving her even thoughhe was willing to sacrifice her in order to do the right thing by Roberta. See?""I see.""And how are they going to prove that he didn't experience a change of heart if he says he did and sticks to it?""I see, but he'll have to tell a mighty convincing story," added Belknap, a little heavily. "And how about thosetwo hats? They're going to have to be explained.""Well, I'm coming to those now. The one he had was a little soiled. And so he decided to buy another. As for that story he told Mason about wearing a cap, well, he was frightened and lied because he thought he would have toget out of it. Now, of course, before he goes to that other girl afterwards--while Roberta is still alive, I mean,there's his relationship with the other girl, what he intends to do about her. He's talking to Roberta, now you see,"he continued, "and that has to be disposed of in some way. But, as I see it, that's easy, for of course after heexperiences a change of heart and wants to do the right thing by Roberta, all he has to do is to write that othergirl or go to her and tell her-- about the wrong he has done Roberta.""Yes.""For, as I see it now, she can't be kept out of the case entirely, after all. We'll have to ring her in, I'm afraid.""All right; then we have to," said Belknap.
　　"Because you see, if Roberta still feels that he ought to marry her--he'll go first and tell that Finchley girl that hecan't marry her--that he's going away--that is, if Roberta doesn't object to his leaving her that long, don't yousee?""Yes.""If she does, he'll marry her, either at Three Mile Bay or some other place.""Yes.""But you don't want to forget that while she's still alive he's puzzled and distressed. And it's only after thatsecond night, at Grass Lake, that he begins to see how wrong all his actions have been, you understand.
　　Something happens. Maybe she cries or talks about wanting to die, like she does in those letters.""Yes.""And so he wants a quiet place where they can sit down in peace and talk, where no one else will see or hearthem.""Yes, yes--go on.""Well, he thinks of Big Bittern. He's been up there once before or they're near there, then, and just below there,twelve miles, is Three Mile Bay, where, if they decide to marry, they can.""I see.""If not, if she doesn't want to marry him after his full confession, he can row her back to the inn, can't he, and heor she can stay there or go on.""Yes, yes.""In the meantime, not to have any delay or be compelled to hang about that inn--it's rather expensive, you know,and he hasn't any too much money--he takes that lunch in his bag. Also his camera, because he wants to takesome pictures. For if Mason should turn up with that camera, it's got to be explained, and it will be betterexplained by us than it will be by him, won't it?""I see, I see," exclaimed Belknap, intensely interested by now and actually smiling and beginning to rub hishands.
　　"So they go out on the lake.""Yes.""And they row around.""Yes.""And finally after lunch on shore, some pictures taken--""Yes.""He decides to tell her just how things stand with him. He's ready, willing--""I get you.""Only just before doing that, he wants to take one or two more pictures of her there in the boat, just off shore.""Yes.""And then he'll tell her, see?""Yes.""And so they go out in the boat again for a little row, just as he did, see?""Yes.""But because they intend to go ashore again for some flowers, he's left the bag there, see? That explains the bag.""Yes.""But before taking any more pictures there, in the boat on the water, he begins to tell her about his love for thisother girl--that if she wants him to, now he'll marry her and then write this Sondra a letter. Or, if she feels shedoesn't want to marry him with him loving this other girl . . .""Yes, go on!" interrupted Belknap, eagerly.
　　"Well," continued Jephson, "he'll do his best to take care of her and support her out of the money he'll have afterhe marries the rich girl.""Yes.""Well, she wants him to marry her and drop this Miss Finchley!""I see.""And he agrees?""Sure.""Also she's so grateful that in her excitement, or gratitude, she jumps up to come toward him, you see?""Yes.""And the boat rocks a little, and he jumps up to help her because he's afraid she's going to fall, see?""Yes, I see.""Well, now if we wanted to we could have him have that camera of his in his hand or not, just as you think fit.""Yes, I see what you're driving at.""Well, whether he keeps it in his hand or doesn't, there's some misstep on his part or hers, just as he says, or justthe motion of the two bodies, causes the boat to go over, and he strikes her, or not, just as you think fit, butaccidentally, of course.""Yes, I see, and I'll be damned!" exclaimed Belknap. "Fine, Reuben! Excellent! Wonderful, really!""And the boat strikes her too, as well as him, a little, see?" went on Jephson, paying no attention to this outburst,so interested was he in his own plot, "and makes him a little dizzy, too.""I see.""And he hears her cries and sees her, but he's a little stunned himself, see? And by the time he's ready to dosomething--""She's gone," concluded Belknap, quietly. "Drowned. I get you.""And then, because of all those other suspicious circumstances and false registrations--and because now she's gone and he can't do anything more for her, anyhow--her relatives might not want to know her condition, youknow--""I see.""He slips away, frightened, a moral coward, just as we'll have to contend from the first, anxious to stand wellwith his uncle and not lose his place in this world. Doesn't that explain it?""About as well as anything could explain it, Reuben, I think. In fact, I think it's a plausible explanation and Icongratulate you. I don't see how any one could hope to find a better. If that doesn't get him off, or bring about adisagreement, at least we might get him off with, well, say, twenty years, don't you think?" And very muchcheered, he got up, and after eyeing his long, thin associate admiringly, added: "Fine!" while Jephson, his blueeyes for all the world like windless, still pools, looked steadily back.
　　"But of course you know what that means?" Jephson now added, calmly and softly.
　　"That we have to put him on the witness stand? Surely, surely. I see that well enough. But it's his only chance.""And he won't strike people as a very steady or convincing fellow, I'm afraid--too nervous and emotional.""Yes, I know all that," replied Belknap, quickly. "He's easily rattled. And Mason will go after him like a wildbull. But we'll have to coach him as to all this--drill him. Make him understand that it's his only chance--that hisvery life depends on it. Drill him for months.""If he fails, then he's gone. If only we could do something to give him courage--teach him to act it out."Jephson's eyes seemed to be gazing directly before him at the very courtroom scene in which Clyde on the standwould have Mason before him. And then picking up Roberta's letters (copies of them furnished by Mason) andlooking at them, he concluded: "If it only weren't for these--here." He weighed them up and down in his hand.
　　"Christ!" he finally concluded, darkly. "What a case! But we're not licked yet, not by a darn sight! Why, wehaven't begun to fight yet. And we'll get a lot of publicity, anyhow. By the way," he added, "I'm having a fellow Iknow down near Big Bittern dredge for that camera to-night. Wish me luck.""Do I?" was all Belknap replied.
第十六章
经过这一切洽谈以后,终于决定:最方便、最稳妥的辩护理由,只要莱柯格斯的格里菲思家表示同意的话,也许就是借口说神经错乱,或是"脑病暴发"——由于克莱德爱上了桑德拉·芬奇利,在他心里产生了向往豪华生活的幻想,也由于他惧怕自己的全部梦想和光辉前程将被罗伯达毁掉,使他一时神经失常.可是,他们在莱柯格斯和卡奇曼、达拉·布鲁克哈特磋商后,又去跟塞缪尔·格里菲思、吉尔伯特·格里菲思商谈,最后得出结论认为上述这套方案是行不通的.因为,要证明神经错乱,或是"脑病暴发",必需具有过去的证据或是见证,证明克莱德一向心智不太健全,平素行为古怪,还要有若干特别显著的具体实例,足以说明他确实是希奇古怪的,并由亲属(说不定其中就有莱柯格斯的格里菲思家)出面发誓作证——这一连串的证据,当然,既要有很多人提供彻头彻尾的谎言和伪证,并且还会玷污格里菲思一家人的血统和智力,从而引起塞缪尔和吉尔伯特的反感,对这一方案肯定不会同意.因此,布鲁克哈特不得不告知贝尔纳普,说这一套辩护方案非得放弃不可.
于是,贝尔纳普和杰夫森两人不得不重新坐了下来,仔细考虑对策.反正要他们两个琢磨出别的辩护理由,目前看来还不是全然没有希望.
"有一件事我要跟你说说!"犟脾气的杰夫森反复看过罗伯达和桑德拉的信以后开了腔说."这个奥尔登姑娘的那些信——说实话,才是我们出庭时最难对付的.只要仔细读一读,不管是哪一个陪审团,全都会掉眼泪的.要是先提出奥尔登这些信,紧接着再提出那另一个姑娘的信,那就肯定全完蛋了.我想,要是梅森闭口不提另一个姑娘的信,我们最好压根儿也不去提它就得了.不然,那就会造成这么一个印象,好象他杀害那个奥尔登姑娘,为的是要把她摆脱掉.依我看,这对梅森就是最有利的了."贝尔纳普对此衷心表示赞同.
与此同时,又得马上推出另一套方案来.于是,经过好几次磋商之后,杰夫森(他认为这个案子准定让他日后飞黄腾达)最后终于得出这么一个结论:唯一可以提出的最稳妥的辩护理由(而且,同克莱德本人的一些令人可疑,两又非常离奇的行动正好并行不悖),就是说,克莱德从来没有想到过要谋害她.恰好相反,正如他本人所申辩的,他即使在生理上不是,但在道德上确是一个懦夫.他深怕自己被人一揭发,就会从莱柯格斯和桑德拉的心中被撵走,同时,因为还从来没有把桑德拉的事告诉过罗伯达,他暗自琢磨,罗伯达一旦知道他对她(桑德拉)如此倾心相爱,说不定也会产生想把他摆脱掉的愿望.因此,他就在仓卒之间决定,也谈不上包藏什么祸心,只是劝说罗伯达跟他一块到附近任何一个地方(但并不见得一定是草湖,或是大比腾)去游逛,为了把这一切全都告诉她,从而使自己获得自由——当然罗,他还是向她保证,说他愿意竭尽全力,负担她在她非常艰难的时期的生活费用.
"这一切好极了,"贝尔纳普发表意见说."不过,这就涉及到他拒绝跟她结婚一事,可不是?试问有哪一个陪审团会同情他,或是相信他并不是存心杀害她呢?"
"且慢,且慢,"杰夫森有些恼火地回答说."到现在为止,当然罗,是这样.不过,你还没有把我的话听完.我跟你说,我又有一个方案嘛."
"好呀,那是什么样的方案呢?"贝尔纳普很感兴趣地回答说.
"得了,我会告诉你的——我的方案是这样——让所有的事实都原封不动,正如克莱德所说的和梅森迄今谈到的那样,当然罗,只是除了他砸了她这一节——然后对所有这些事实都加以解释——比方说,那和信件呀、伤痕呀、手提箱呀、两顶帽子呀,所有这一切——绝不加以否认."
说到这儿,他沉吟不语,用他那双长满斑点、又长又薄的手,不耐烦地捋了一下自己光亮的头发,抬眼先是望着关押克莱德的监狱对面的广场上的草坪,随后又望了一眼贝尔纳普."这一切都很好,不过你说怎么解释呢?"贝尔纳普问道.
"跟你说了,没有别的办法,"杰夫森仿佛在自言自语地说,没有理会自己的老同事."我认为只有这个办法是行得通的."他身子侧过去,又望着窗外说话,仿佛在跟外面什么人交谈."他上那儿去,明白吧,就是因为他吓坏了,因为他不能不有所防备,要不然就被人告发了.于是,他在旅社登记时写上了别人的姓名,因为他深怕给莱柯格斯来人知道他去过那儿.而且他打算向她坦白承认自己爱上了另一个姑娘.不过,"这时,他迟疑不语,两眼盯住贝尔纳普."这是我们性命交关的支柱所在,要是连这都站不住脚,那我们就全完了!听着!他跟她一块到了那儿,心里怕得要命,但并不是想跟她结婚,也不是想害死她,而仅仅是想说服她别再缠住他.殊不知一到了那儿,看见她身体很不舒服,疲累,悲伤——啊,知道吧,她还是多么爱他,于是,他就跟她一块厮混了两个夜晚,明白吧?""是啊,我明白,"贝尔纳普他感到有点儿好奇,不过这一回早已不犯疑了."这样一来,也许就可以讲清楚了,为什么他跟她在一块度过两个夜晚."
"也许?已经讲清楚了!"杰夫森淘气而又镇静地回答说.他的那双淡蓝色眼睛里,映现出的只有一种冷静、坚毅、注重实际的逻辑,说真的,连一丝儿感情、哪怕是同情的影子都没有."哦,当时他跟她一块到了那儿,是在这种情况之下——跟她又是那么亲近,明白了吧."(杰夫森说话时,脸上的表情简直一丝儿变化都没有.)"他就回心转意了.你听懂了我的意思没有?他为她感到难过.他觉得自己很丢脸——因为他在她面前是有了罪的.这应该说总可以打动这里老百姓,这些善男信女的心,是吧?"
"这也许可以,"贝尔纳普安详地插话说.至此,他一下子来了劲儿,感到大有希望了.
"他知道自己做了对不起她的事,"杰夫森继续说.如同一只正在织网的蜘蛛一样,他把全部心思都扑在自己的方案上."不管他那么狂热地爱恋另一个姑娘,现在他准备公平地对待这个奥尔登姑娘,明白吧,因为他替她感到很难过,觉得自己很丢脸.这样就可以促使公众改变对他的看法,因为原先人们认为他一面跟她一块在尤蒂卡、草湖住了两个夜晚,一面却在策划怎样把她杀害.
"但他还是很爱另一个姑娘,是吧?"贝尔纳普又插了一句说.
"哦,当然罗.不管怎么说,他是非常喜欢她的.反正他一进入那上流社会,就有点儿晕头晕脑,简直自以为是,判若两人.不过话又说回来,这时候他倒是准备跟罗伯达结婚的,如果说即使在他向她坦白承认自己爱上了这另一个姑娘之后,罗伯达还是乐意跟他结婚的话."
"我明白了.不过,有关那条小船、手提箱,以及事后他去这个芬奇利姑娘家,这些事该怎么说呢?"
"且慢!且慢!我这就跟你说了,"杰夫森接下去说.他的那双蓝眼睛象一股强烈的电光从空间来回掠过似的."当然罗,他是跟她一块坐船出去的,当然罗,他随身带上了那只手提箱,当然罗,他在旅社登记时报了假名字,并且在罗伯达溺水死亡以后,穿过那儿树林子到另一个姑娘那里去了.不过,为什么呢?为什么呢?你很想知道为什么吧?我这就跟你说!他替罗伯达感到难过,知道吧,而且,他想要跟她结婚,或者至少说,在那最后时刻,他想要公平地对待她.可是,要记住,这可不是在他跟她先在草湖住了一宿,接着跟她又在尤蒂卡住了一宿之前,不是在那之前,而是在那之后.不过,她一淹死——当然罗,正如他所说的,那是由于意外事故——他对另一个姑娘的爱情又死灰复燃啦.是的,他对她的爱情一直没有停止过,哪怕是为了要公平地对待罗伯达而准备牺牲她的时候也是这样.明白吧?"
"我明白了."
"那末,人们又怎么能证明他并没有回心转意,要是他说过自己确实回心转意过,并且坚持自己这个说法呢?""我明白了,不过,他非得解释清楚,令人非常信服不可,"贝尔纳普有些忧心忡忡地说."那两顶帽子怎么说呢?这也非得解释清楚不可."
"得了,这会儿我正要讲的,就是帽子问题.他原来的那一顶有些脏了.于是,他决定另外买一顶.至于他跟梅森说过他戴的是一顶鸭舌帽——啊,那时因为他吓坏了,才撒了谎,因为他心里想自己非得快点解脱不可.当然罗,在他过后到另一个姑娘那儿去之前,我的意思是说,有罗伯达还活着的时候,他跟那另一个姑娘仍然是有关系的,而且对她是有意图的.你要明白,这时他正在向罗伯达进行解释,"他接下去说."这一点怎么也得设法交待清楚.不过,依我看,这也不难,因为,当然罗,在他回心转意和想要公平对待罗伯达以后,剩下来他只要写封信给那另一个姑娘,或是上她那儿去,告诉她有关他对不起罗伯达的事,可不是?"
"是的."
"因为,现在依我看,本案毕竟不能闭口不提她.我怕我们非得惊动她不可."
"既然需要,那我们就惊动吧,"贝尔纳普说.
"因为,你要知道,如果罗伯达仍然认为他应该跟她结婚——他就得先去芬奇利家,跟那个姑娘说他不能跟她结婚了——他要到罗伯达那儿去了——这就是说,只要罗伯达并不反对他可以暂时离开她的话,你明白了吧?"
"明白了."
"要是她果真这样,他就跟她结婚,是在三英里湾,或是在其他什么地方."
"是啊."
"不过,你别忘了,只要她还活着,他心里总是茫然若失,无比痛苦.只是在草湖度过了第二夜以后,他才开始认识到他过去对待她该有多么卑鄙,你明白了吧.他们之间出了什么事.也许是她哭了,或是说到要自杀,如同她在写那些信时所说的那样."
"是啊."
"因此,他心里就想同她一块去一个安静的地方,在那儿谁也看不见他们,听不到他们,他们不妨平心静气地坐下来谈谈."
"是啊,是啊——讲下去吧."
"于是,他就想到了大比腾.从前他是去过那儿的,或者说,就是因为他们离那个地方很近.而且,再过去十二英里,就是三英里湾了.他们要是决定结婚,不妨在三英里湾结婚就得了."
"我明白了."
"再不然,要是她听了他的彻底坦白以后,不想跟他结婚,他就可以划船把她送回到那家旅社,可不是吗.也许是他,或者是她,会暂时留在那儿,另一个则马上动身离去."
"是啊,是啊."
"顺便提一下,为了不要拖延时间,也不要老是滞留在那家旅社——要知道这是相声花钱,你明白吧.何况他也不是那么很有钱——他把午餐点心放在自己手提箱里.还带上了那架照相机,因为他要拍摄一些照片.因为,只要梅森一出示那架照相机,那我们就得把那架照相机的来龙去脉一一解释清楚.与其由他来解释,还不如由我们来解释的好,是吧?""我明白了,我明白了,"贝尔纳普大声嚷了起来,这时他兴致很高,而且,说真的,脸上含着微笑,甚至还开始在搓手.
"他们就这样游湖去了."
"是啊."
"他们在湖上尽情地划呀划."
"是啊."
"最后,他们在湖岸上用过午餐点心,他还拍了一些照——"
"是啊."
"他决定将他目前的处境告诉她.现在他已准备好了,愿意——"
"我明白你的意思了."
"可是,就在他开始说这些话以前,他要给她再拍一两张照,拍她人在船上,靠近湖岸的镜头."
"是啊."
"然后,他就全都告诉了她,明白吧?"
"是啊."
"这样,他们就又上了小船,打算如同刚才他那样,再划一会儿,明白吧?"
"我明白."
"不过,因为他们打算再上岸去采一些花,他就把手提箱留在岸上,明白了吧?这样,手提箱问题也就交待清楚了."
"是啊."
"不过,就在湖上、船上继续给她拍照以前,他开始把他爱恋过另一个姑娘的事告诉了她——他说,她要是现在还愿意跟他结婚,那他就跟她结婚,随后写一封信给这个桑德拉.不过,要是现在她了解到他既然爱上了另一个姑娘,自己也就不愿意跟他结婚了……"
"是啊,说下去!"贝尔纳普兴冲冲地插话说."于是,"杰夫森继续说."他要竭尽全力照顾她,支持她,因为他跟那个有钱的姑娘结婚以后,他就有的是钱了."
"是啊."
"不过,她要他跟她结婚,把这个芬奇利小姐甩掉!"
"我明白了."
"那他同意了吗?"
"当然罗."
"瞧她是那么感激,就在极度兴奋或是感激之中跳了起来,向他直扑了过来,明白了吧?"
"是啊."
"于是,那条小船就有点儿摇晃,他一跃而起,想要搀住她,因为他担心她快要摔倒了,明白吧?"
"是啊,我明白."
"得了,现在,他的那架照相机,我们说它是在他手里也好,不在他手里也好,反正随你觉得怎么合适就怎么说得了."
"是啊,你的用意我知道了."
"总之一句话,不管这照相机是不是在他手里,反正如同他所说的那样,他们俩不慎失足,要不然,就是因为他们俩的身子一晃,小船就底儿朝天了.至于他砸了她没有,看你觉得怎么合适就怎么说好了.不过,如果说他砸了她,那当然罗,也只是偶然碰到罢了."
"是啊,我明白了,真是见鬼!"贝尔纳普大声嚷道."好,鲁本!这一招真高明!简直妙极了!"
"接着,船舷又碰撞过她,也碰撞过他,只不过是轻微一点儿,明白了吧?"杰夫森接下去说,沉浸在自己谋划的这一套方案之中,对这种狂热劲儿丝毫也没有注意到."不过,也撞得他有点儿晕头转向了."
"我明白了."
"他听见她在大声呼叫救命,而且也看得到她的,不过,他自己也有点儿吓昏了,明白了吧?等到他刚清醒过来,准备想办法——"
"她早已没了,"贝尔纳普平静地下了这么一个结论."给淹死了.你的意思我明白了."
"随后,由于这一切可疑的情况,旅社登记时申报假名字等等——还有,因为她早已咽气了,反正他再也救不活她了——你也知道,她的亲属说不定要追查她的情况——"
"我明白."
"所以,他吓坏了,就溜了.要知道他天生是个懦夫——正如我们一开始就明确论证过那样.他一心希望跟他伯父搞好关系,保住他在这个上流社会里的地位.难道说这样解释还不够清楚吗?"
"依我看,这一切差不多解释通通都清楚了,鲁本.事实上,我觉得你这样解释好象很有道理,我向你表示祝贺.我真不知道,有谁还能指望寻摸到比这更好的解释呢.要是这样还不能为他开脱,或是使陪审团产生意见分歧,那末,最低限度也许我们还可以让他得到,哦,比方说,二十年徒刑,你认为怎么样?"说罢,他得意扬扬地站了起来,十分钦慕地瞅了他的这位瘦高个儿同事一眼,又找补着说:"真是绝招啊!"杰夫森那双蓝眼睛,活象风平浪静的一泓池水,只是不动声色回眸了他一眼.
"不过,当然罗,你也明白这意味着什么?"杰夫森平静地轻声补充了一句.
"那是说我们就得让他出庭作证?当然罗.当然罗.这我看得很清楚.可这是他唯一的机会啊."
"但我深怕,他看起来不象一个很坚定、很有自信的见证人——他这个人太紧张,太容易动感情了."
"是啊,这我全都明白,"贝尔纳普马上回答说."他给人一吓唬,就慌张了.而梅森会象一头野牛冲他疾驰而来.不过,我们就得辅导他——训练他——能应付这一切.让他懂得这是他唯一的机会了——他的这条性命就全押在这儿了.我们就训练他几个月吧."
"他要是表演失败,那就全完了.只要我们能想个办法,把他的勇气给鼓起来——教他演好这场戏就好了."这时,杰夫森两眼仿佛直接凝视着法院大厅,克莱德坐在证人席上,梅森站在他前面.随后,杰夫森捡起罗伯达那些信(说得更确切些,是梅森交给的抄本)看看,最后才说:"要是没有眼前这些东西就好了!"他把这些信放在手里掂了一下,最后阴沉地说:"天哪!多棘手的案子啊!不过话又说回来,我们还没有被打垮,见鬼去吧,这样的事压根儿不会有的.嘿,我们还没有开始拚搏哩.不管怎么说,一定可以使我们出足风头了.是啊,再说,"他又找补着说."我在大比腾附近有一个熟人,就叫他今儿晚上去打捞那架照相机.你预祝我走好运吧."
"难道说我还会不预祝你吗?"贝尔纳普回答的,就是这么一句话.
回复 引用 新鲜事
顶端
司凌。

ZxID：9742737

2429874鲜花 36鸡蛋

等级: 派派版主
配偶: 此微夜
原名：独爱穿越。
举报 只看该作者 84楼  发表于: 2013-10-25 0

Part 3 Chapter 17
The struggle and excitement of a great murder trial! Belknap and Jephson, after consulting with Brookhart andCatchuman, learning that they considered Jephson's plan "perhaps the only way," but with as little reference tothe Griffiths as possible.
　　And then at once, Messrs. Belknap and Jephson issuing preliminary statements framed in such a manner as toshow their faith in Clyde, presenting him as being, in reality, a much maligned and entirely misunderstood youth, whose intentions and actions toward Miss Alden were as different from those set forth by Mason as white fromblack. And intimating that the undue haste of the district attorney in seeking a special term of the Supreme Courtmight possibly have a political rather than a purely legal meaning. Else why the hurry, especially in the face ofan approaching county election? Could there be any plan to use the results of such a trial as this to further anyparticular person's, or group of persons', political ambitions? Messrs. Belknap and Jephson begged to hope not.
　　But regardless of such plans or the prejudices or the political aspirations of any particular person or group, thedefense in this instance did not propose to permit a boy as innocent as Clyde, trapped by circumstances--ascounsel for the defense would be prepared to show--to be railroaded to the electric chair merely to achieve avictory for the Republican party in November. Furthermore, to combat these strange and yet false circumstances,the defense would require a considerable period of time to prepare its case. Therefore, it would be necessary forthem to file a formal protest at Albany against the district attorney's request to the governor for a special term ofthe Supreme Court. There was no need for the same, since the regular term for the trial of such cases would fallin January, and the preparation of their case would require that much time.
　　But while this strong, if rather belated, reply was listened to with proper gravity by the representatives of thevarious newspapers, Mason vigorously pooh-poohed this "windy" assertion of political plotting, as well as thetalk of Clyde's innocence. "What reason have I, a representative of all the people of this county, to railroad thisman anywhere or make one single charge against him unless the charges make themselves? Doesn't the evidenceitself show that he did kill this girl? And has he ever said or done one thing to clear up any of the suspiciouscircumstances? No! Silence or lies. And until these circumstances are disproved by these very able gentlemen, Iam going right ahead. I have all the evidence necessary to convict this young criminal now. And to delay it untilJanuary, when I shall be out of office, as they know, and when a new man will have to go over all this evidencewith which I have familiarized myself, is to entail great expense to the county. For all the witnesses I have gottentogether are right here now, easy to bring into Bridgeburg without any great expense to the county. But wherewill they be next January or February, especially after the defense has done its best to scatter them? No, sir! Iwill not agree to it. But, if within ten days or two weeks from now even, they can bring me something that willso much as make it look as though even some of the charges I have made are not true, I'll be perfectly willing togo before the presiding judge with them, and if they can show him any evidence they have or hope to have, orthat there are any distant known witnesses to be secured who can help prove this fellow's innocence, why, then,well and good. I'll be willing to ask the judge to grant them as much time as he may see fit, even if it throws thetrial over until I am out of office. But if the trial comes up while I'm here, as I honestly hope it will, I'll prosecuteit to the best of my ability, not because I'm looking for an office of any kind but because I am now the districtattorney and it is my duty to do so. And as for my being in politics, well, Mr. Belknap is in politics, isn't he? Heran against me the last time, and I hear he desires to run again."Accordingly he proceeded to Albany further to impress upon the Governor the very great need of an immediatespecial term of the Court so that Clyde might be indicted. And the Governor, hearing the personal arguments ofboth Mason and Belknap, decided in favor of Mason, on the ground that the granting of a special term did notmilitate against any necessary delay of the trial of the case, since nothing which the defense as yet had to offerseemed to indicate that the calling of a special term was likely in any way to prevent it from obtaining as muchtime wherein to try the case as needed. Besides, it would be the business of the Supreme Court justice appointedto consider such arguments--not himself. And accordingly, a special term of the Supreme Court was ordered,with one Justice Frederick Oberwaltzer of the eleventh judicial district designated to preside. And when Mason appeared before him with the request that he fix the date of the Special Grand Jury by which Clyde might beindicted, this was set for August fifth.
　　And then that body sitting, it was no least trouble for Mason to have Clyde indicted.
　　And thereafter the best that Belknap and Jephson could do was to appear before Oberwaltzer, a Democrat, whoowed his appointment to a previous governor, to argue for a change of venue, on the ground that by no possiblestretch of the imagination could any twelve men residing in Cataraqui County be found who, owing to the publicand private statements of Mason, were not already vitally opposed to Clyde and so convinced of his guilt thatbefore ever such a jury could be addressed by a defense, he would be convicted.
　　"But where are you going then?" inquired Justice Oberwaltzer, who was impartial enough. "The same materialhas been published everywhere.""But, your Honor, this crime which the district attorney here has been so busy in magnifying--" (a long andheated objection on the part of Mason).
　　"But we contend just the same," continued Belknap, "that the public has been unduly stirred and deluded. Youcan't get twelve men now who will try this man fairly.""What nonsense!" exclaimed Mason, angrily. "Mere twaddle! Why, the newspapers themselves have gatheredand published more evidence than I have. It's the publicly discovered facts in this case that have arousedprejudice, if any has been aroused. But no more than would be aroused anywhere, I maintain. Besides, if thiscase is to be transferred to a distant county when the majority of the witnesses are right here, this county is goingto be saddled with an enormous expense, which it cannot afford and which the facts do not warrant."Justice Oberwaltzer, who was of a sober and moral turn, a slow and meticulous man inclined to favorconservative procedure in all things, was inclined to agree. And after five days, in which he did not more thanmuse idly upon the matter, he decided to deny the motion. If he were wrong, there was the Appellate Division towhich the defense could resort. As for stays, having fixed the date of the trial for October fifteenth (ample time,as he judged, for the defense to prepare its case), he adjourned for the remainder of the summer to his cottage onBlue Mountain Lake, where both the prosecution and the defense, should any knotty or locally insoluble legalcomplication arise, would be able to find him and have his personal attention.
　　But with the entry of the Messrs. Belknap and Jephson into the case, Mason found it advisable to redouble hisefforts to make positive, in so far as it were possible, the conviction of Clyde. He feared the young Jephson asmuch as he did Belknap. And for that reason, taking with him Burton Burleigh and Earl Newcomb, he nowrevisited Lycurgus, where among other things he was able to discover (1) where Clyde had purchased thecamera; (2) that three days before his departure for Big Bittern he had said to Mrs. Peyton that he was thinking oftaking his camera with him and that he must get some films for it; (3) that there was a haberdasher by the nameof Orrin Short who had known Clyde well and that but four months before Clyde had applied to him for advicein connection with a factory hand's pregnant wife--also (and this in great confidence to Burton Burleigh, who hadunearthed him) that he had recommended to Clyde a certain Dr. Glenn, near Gloversville; (4) Dr. Glenn himselfbeing sought and pictures of Clyde and Roberta being submitted, he was able to identify Roberta, although not Clyde, and to describe the state of mind in which she had approached him, as well as the story she had told--astory which in no way incriminated Clyde or herself, and which, therefore, Mason decided might best be ignored,for the present, anyhow.
　　And (5), via these same enthusiastic efforts, there rose to the surface the particular hat salesman in Utica who hadsold Clyde the hat. For Burton Burleigh being interviewed while in Utica, and his picture published along withone of Clyde, this salesman chanced to see it and recalling him at once made haste to communicate with Mason,with the result that his testimony, properly typewritten and sworn to, was carried away by Mason.
　　And, in addition, the country girl who had been on the steamer "Cygnus" and who had noticed Clyde, wroteMason that she remembered him wearing a straw hat, also his leaving the boat at Sharon, a bit of evidence whichmost fully confirmed that of the captain of the boat and caused Mason to feel that Providence or Fate wasworking with him. And last, but most important of all to him, there came a communication from a womanresiding in Bedford, Pennsylvania, who announced that during the week of July third to tenth, she and herhusband had been camping on the east shore of Big Bittern, near the southern end of the lake. And while rowingon the lake on the afternoon of July eighth, at about six o'clock, she had heard a cry which sounded like that of awoman or girl in distress--a plaintive, mournful cry. It was very faint and had seemed to come from beyond theisland which was to the south and west of the bay in which they were fishing.
　　Mason now proposed to remain absolutely silent regarding this information, and that about the camera and filmsand the data regarding Clyde's offense in Kansas City, until nearer the day of trial, or during the trial itself, whenit would be impossible for the defense to attempt either to refute or ameliorate it in any way.
　　As for Belknap and Jephson, apart from drilling Clyde in the matter of his general denial based on his change ofheart once he had arrived at Grass Lake, and the explanation of the two hats and the bag, they could not see thatthere was much to do. True, there was the suit thrown in Fourth Lake near the Cranstons', but after much trollingon the part of a seemingly casual fisherman, that was brought up, cleaned and pressed, and now hung in a lockedcloset in the Belknap and Jephson office. Also, there was the camera at Big Bittern, dived for but never found bythem--a circumstance which led Jephson to conclude that Mason must have it, and so caused him to decide thathe would refer to it at the earliest possible opportunity at the trial. But as for Clyde striking her with it, evenaccidentally, well, it was decided at that time at least, to contend that he had not--although after exhumingRoberta's body at Biltz it had been found that the marks on her face, even at this date, did correspond in somedegree to the size and shape of the camera.
　　For, in the first place, they were exceedingly dubious of Clyde as a witness. Would he or would he not, in tellingof how it all happened, be sufficiently direct or forceful and sincere to convince any jury that he had so struckher without intending to strike her? For on that, marks or no marks, would depend whether the jury was going tobelieve him. And if it did not believe that he struck her accidentally, then a verdict of guilty, of course.
　　And so they prepared to await the coming of the trial, only working betimes and in so far as they dared, to obtaintestimony or evidence as to Clyde's previous good character, but being blocked to a degree by the fact that inLycurgus, while pretending to be a model youth outwardly, he had privately been conducting himself otherwise,and that in Kansas City his first commercial efforts had resulted in such a scandal.
　　However, one of the most difficult matters in connection with Clyde and his incarceration here, as Belknap andJephson as well as the prosecution saw it, was the fact that thus far not one single member of his own or hisuncle's family had come forward to champion him. And to no one save Belknap and Jephson had he admittedwhere his parents were. Yet would it not be necessary, as both Belknap and Jephson argued from time to time, ifany case at all were to be made out for him, to have his mother or father, or at least a sister or a brother, comeforward to say a good word for him? Otherwise, Clyde might appear to be a pariah, one who had been from thefirst a drifter and a waster and was now purposely being avoided by all who knew him.
　　For this reason, at their conference with Darrah Brookhart they had inquired after Clyde's parents and hadlearned that in so far as the Griffiths of Lycurgus were concerned, there lay a deep objection to bringing on anymember of this western branch of the family. There was, as he explained, a great social gap between them, whichit would not please the Lycurgus Griffiths to have exploited here. Besides, who could say but that once Clyde'sparents were notified or discovered by the yellow press, they might not lend themselves to exploitation. BothSamuel and Gilbert Griffiths, as Brookhart now informed Belknap, had suggested that it was best, if Clyde didnot object, to keeping his immediate relatives in the background. In fact, on this, in some measure at least, waslikely to depend the extent of their financial aid to Clyde.
　　Clyde was in accord with this wish of the Griffiths, although no one who talked with him sufficiently or heardhim express how sorry he was on his mother's account that all this had happened, could doubt the quality of theblood and emotional tie that held him and his mother together. The complete truth was that his present attitudetoward her was a mixture of fear and shame because of the manner in which she was likely to view hispredicament--his moral if not his social failure. Would she be willing to believe the story prepared by Belknapand Jephson as to his change of heart? But even apart from that, to have her come here now and look at himthrough these bars when he was so disgraced--to be compelled to face her and talk to her day after day! Herclear, inquiring, tortured eyes! Her doubt as to his innocence, since he could feel that even Belknap and Jephson,in spite of all their plans for him, were still a little dubious as to that unintentional blow of his. They did notreally believe it, and they might tell her that. And would his religious, God-fearing, crime-abhorring mother bemore credulous than they?
　　Being asked again what he thought ought to be done about his parents, he replied that he did not believe he couldface his mother yet--it would do no good and would only torture both.
　　And fortunately, as he saw it, apparently no word of all that had befallen him had yet reached his parents inDenver. Because of their peculiar religious and moral beliefs, all copies of worldly and degenerate daily paperswere consistently excluded from their home and Mission. And the Lycurgus Griffiths had had no desire toinform them.
　　Yet one night, at about the time that Belknap and Jephson were most seriously debating the absence of hisparents and what, if anything, should be done about it, Esta, who some time after Clyde had arrived in Lycurgushad married and was living in the southeast portion of Denver, chanced to read in The Rocky Mountain News-andthis just subsequent to Clyde's indictment by the Grand Jury at Bridgeburg:
　　"BOY SLAYER OF WORKING GIRL INDICTED"Bridgeburg, N. Y., Aug. 6: A special Grand Jury appointed by Governor Stouderback, of this state, to sit in thecase of Clyde Griffiths, the nephew of the wealthy collar manufacturer of the same name, of Lycurgus, NewYork, recently charged with the killing of Miss Roberta Alden, of Biltz, New York, at Big Bittern Lake in theAdirondacks on July 8th last, to-day returned an indictment charging murder in the first degree.
　　"Subsequent to the indictment, Griffiths, who in spite of almost overwhelming evidence, has persisted inasserting that the alleged crime was an accident, and who, accompanied by his counsel, Alvin Belknap, andReuben Jephson, of this city, was arraigned before Supreme Court Justice Oberwaltzer, pleaded not guilty. Hewas remanded for trial, which was set for October 15th.
　　"Young Griffiths, who is only twenty-two years of age, and up to the day of his arrest a respected member ofLycurgus smart society, is alleged to have stunned and then drowned his working-girl sweetheart, whom he hadwronged and then planned to desert in favor of a richer girl. The lawyers in this case have been retained by hiswealthy uncle of Lycurgus, who has hitherto remained aloof. But apart from this, it is locally asserted, no relativehas come forward to aid in his defense."Esta forthwith made a hurried departure for her mother's home. Despite the directness and clarity of this she wasnot willing to believe it was Clyde. Still there was the damning force of geography and names--the rich LycurgusGriffiths, the absence of his own relatives.
　　As quickly as the local street car would carry her, she now presented herself at the combined lodging house andmission known as the "Star of Hope," in Bildwell Street, which was scarcely better than that formerly maintainedin Kansas City. For while it provided a number of rooms for wayfarers at twenty-five cents a night, and wassupposed to be self-supporting, it entailed much work with hardly any more profit. Besides, by now, both Frankand Julia, who long before this had become irked by the drab world in which they found themselves, hadearnestly sought to free themselves of it, leaving the burden of the mission work on their father and mother.
　　Julia, now nineteen, was cashiering for a local downtown restaurant, and Frank, nearing seventeen, had butrecently found work in a fruit and vegetable commission house. In fact, the only child about the place by day waslittle Russell, the illegitimate son of Esta--now between three and four years of age, and most reservedlyfictionalized by his grandparents as an orphan whom they had adopted in Kansas City. He was a dark-hairedchild, in some ways resembling Clyde, who, even at this early age, as Clyde had been before him, was beinginstructed in those fundamental verities which had irritated Clyde in his own childhood.
　　At the time that Esta, now a decidedly subdued and reserved wife, entered, Mrs. Griffiths was busy sweeping anddusting and making up beds. But on sight of her daughter at this unusual hour approaching, and with blanchedcheeks signaling her to come inside the door of a vacant room, Mrs. Griffiths, who, because of years ofdifficulties of various kinds, was more or less accustomed to scenes such as this, now paused in wonder, theswiftly beclouding mist of apprehension shining in her eyes. What new misery or ill was this? For decidedlyEsta's weak gray eyes and manner indicated distress. And in her hand was folded a paper, which she opened andafter giving her mother a most solicitous look, pointed to the item, toward which Mrs. Griffiths now directed herlook. But what was this?
　　"BOY SLAYER OF WORKING-GIRL SWEETHEART INDICTED.""CHARGED WITH THE KILLING OF MISS ROBERTA ALDEN AT BIG BITTERN LAKE IN THEADIRONDACKS ON JULY 8 LAST.""RETURNED INDICTMENT CHARGING MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE.""IN SPITE OF ALMOST OVERWHELMING CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE.""PLEADED NOT GUILTY.""REMANDED FOR TRIAL." "SET FOR OCTOBER 15.""STUNNED AND DROWNED HIS WORKING-GIRL SWEETHEART.""NO RELATIVE HAS COME FORWARD."It was thus that her eye and her mind automatically selected the most essential lines. And then as swiftly goingover them again.
　　"CLYDE GRIFFITHS, NEPHEW OF THE WEALTHY COLLAR MANUFACTURER OF LYCURGUS, NEWYORK."Clyde--her son! And only recently--but no, over a month ago--(and they had been worrying a little as to that, sheand Asa, because he had not--) July 8th! And it was now August 11th! Then--yes! But not her son! Impossible!
　　Clyde the murderer of a girl who was his sweetheart! But he was not like that! He had written to her how he wasgetting along--the head of a large department, with a future. But of no girl. But now! And yet that other little girlthere in Kansas City. Merciful God! And the Griffiths, of Lycurgus, her husband's brother, knowing of this andnot writing! Ashamed, disgusted, no doubt. Indifferent. But no, he had hired two lawyers. Yet the horror! Asa!
　　Her other children! What the papers would say! This mission! They would have to give it up and go somewhereelse again. Yet was he guilty or not guilty? She must know that before judging or thinking. This paper said hehad pleaded not guilty. Oh, that wretched, worldly, showy hotel in Kansas City! Those other bad boys! Thosetwo years in which he wandered here and there, not writing, passing as Harry Tenet. Doing what? Learningwhat?
　　She paused, full of that intense misery and terror which no faith in the revealed and comforting verities of Godand mercy and salvation which she was always proclaiming, could for the moment fend against. Her boy! HerClyde! In jail, accused of murder! She must wire! She must write! She must go, maybe. But how to get themoney! What to do when she got there. How to get the courage--the faith--to endure it. Yet again, neither Asanor Frank nor Julia must know. Asa, with his protesting and yet somehow careworn faith, his weak eyes andweakening body. And must Frank and Julia, now just starting out in life, be saddled with this? Marked thus?
　　Merciful God! Would her troubles never end?
　　She turned, her big, work-worn hands trembling slightly, shaking the paper she held, while Esta, whosympathized greatly with her mother these days because of all she had been compelled to endure, stood by. She looked so tired at times, and now to be racked by this! Yet, as she knew, her mother was the strongest in thefamily--so erect, so square-shouldered, defiant--a veritable soul pilot in her cross-grained, uniformed way.
　　"Mamma, I just can't believe it can be Clyde," was all Esta could say now. "It just can't be, can it?"But Mrs. Griffiths merely continued to stare at that ominous headline, then swiftly ran her gray-blue eyes overthe room. Her broad face was blanched and dignified by an enormous strain and an enormous pain. Her erring,misguided, no doubt unfortunate, son, with all his wild dreams of getting on and up, was in danger of death, ofbeing electrocuted for a crime--for murder! He had killed some one--a poor working-girl, the paper said.
　　"Ssh!" she whispered, putting one finger to her own lips as a sign. "He" (indicating Asa) "must not know yet,anyhow. We must wire first, or write. You can have the answers come to you, maybe. I will give you the money.
　　But I must sit down somewhere now for a minute. I feel a little weak. I'll sit here. Let me have the Bible."On the small dresser was a Gideon Bible, which, sitting on the edge of the commonplace iron bed, she nowopened instinctively at Psalms 3 and 4.
　　"Lord, how are they increased that trouble.""Hear me, when I call, O God of my righteousness."And then reading on silently, even placidly apparently, through 6, 8, 10, 13, 23, 91, while Esta stood by in silentamazement and misery.
　　"Oh, Mamma, I just can't believe it. Oh, this is too terrible!" But Mrs. Griffiths read on. It was as if, and in spiteof all this, she had been able to retreat into some still, silent place, where, for the time being at least, no evilhuman ill could reach her. Then at last, quite calmly closing the book, and rising, she went on:
　　"Now, we must think out what to say and who to send that telegram to--I mean to Clyde, of course--at that place,wherever it is--Bridgeburg," she added, looking at the paper, and then interpolating from the Bible--"By terriblethings in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God!" "Or, maybe, those two lawyers--their names are there. I'mafraid to wire Asa's brother for fear he'll wire back to him." (Then: 'Thou art my bulwark and my strength. InThee will I trust.') "But I suppose they would give it to him if we sent it care of that judge or those lawyers, don'tyou think? But it would be better if we could send it to him direct, I suppose. ('He leadeth me by the still waters.')Just say that I have read about him and still have faith and love for him, but he is to tell me the truth and what todo. If he needs money we will have to see what we can do, I suppose. ('He restoreth my soul.')"And then, despite her sudden peace of the moment, she once more began wringing her large, rough hands. "Oh, itcan't be true. Oh, dear, no! After all, he is my son. We all love him and have faith. We must say that. God willdeliver him. Watch and pray. Have faith. Under his wings shalt thou trust."She was so beside herself that she scarcely knew what she was saying. And Esta, at her side, was saying: "Yes,Mamma! Oh, of course! Yes, I will! I know he'll get it all right." But she, too, was saying to herself: "My God!
　　My God! What could be worse than this--to be accused of murder! But, of course, it can't be true. It can't be true.
　　If he should hear!" (She was thinking of her husband.) "And after Russell, too. And Clyde's trouble there inKansas City. Poor Mamma. She has so much trouble."Together, after a time, and avoiding Asa who was in an adjoining room helping with the cleaning, the two madetheir way to the general mission room below, where was silence and many placards which proclaimed thecharity, the wisdom, and the sustaining righteousness of God.
第十七章
这一特大凶杀案的审判,令人多么激动,而又充满了多少斗争!布鲁克哈特和卡奇曼向贝尔纳普和杰夫森表示,他们一致认为:杰夫森的方案"也许是唯一可行的方案",但是对格里菲思家应该尽量少提为好.
于是,贝尔纳普和杰夫森两位先生,马上印发了开庭前的声明,从它的基调可以看出:他们相信克莱德无罪,实际上把他说成是一个饱受诽谤和完全被人误解的青年人.克莱德本人对待奥尔登小姐的意图和行为,同梅森所介绍的相比,岂不是粲然黑白分明.他们在字里行间还暗示说地方检察官极不正当,急于要求最高法院专门开庭,很可能具有一种政治的而不是纯粹合法的目的.不然,为什么要这样急巴巴呢?特别是现在,全县的选举迫在眉睫?是不是某一个人物,或是某一个集团企图利用这次审判的结果,来实现自己的政治野心?贝尔纳普和杰夫森两位先生但愿事实并非如此.
可是,不管某一个人物,或是某一个集团的这些计划、偏见和政治目的如何,本案的辩护律师决不听任象克莱德这么一个无辜的青年落入圈套——对此,被告一方的律师将准备予以揭露——就被急急匆匆送上电椅,仅仅是为了共和党在十一月间选举中获胜.为了揭发对本案所作出的这些荒唐而又虚假的结论,被告一方就必须有相当长的时间进行准备工作.因此,他们有必要就地方检察官请求州长召开最高法院专门开庭一事,向奥尔巴尼①正式提出抗议.举行特别庭根本没有必要,因为,对这类案子定期开庭审判,应该是在一月份,而为本案准备材料就需要有更多时间.
①奥尔巴尼系纽约州政府所在地.
可是,这个强有力的、哪怕是为时已晚的答复声明,各报代表虽然都洗耳恭听过了,梅森却极端蔑视被告一方辩护律师就政治阴谋方面所作出的"轻率"说法,以及相信克莱德无罪的说法."作为本县全体居民的代表,我有什么理由急急匆匆把这个人打发到哪一个地方去,或是指控他犯有哪怕是只有一条罪状,如果说压根儿不存在的话?难道说罪证本身还不够充分说明他确实杀害了这个姑娘吗?他有没有说过一句话,或是做过一件事,来澄清本案中一些可疑的情况?没有!反正只有缄默或是撒谎.只要这些可疑情况还没有被这些非常有能耐的辩护律师先生们驳倒,我还是照样坚定不移地继续干下去.现在我手头已掌握全部必要的证据,就可以给这个年轻的犯人定罪.如果说延期到一月份,他们知道,那时我将要卸任了,所有这一切证据我自己是非常熟悉的,但是新接替的人势必重新研究一番,这就不得不使本县耗费更大的一笔开支.因为,我为本案召集到的这些证人,目前都在这里,要他们到布里奇伯格来很容易,根本用不着本县花什么大钱.可是,到了一月份,或是二月份,谁知道这些人会在哪儿呢?特别是被告一方辩护人会费尽心机,让他们作鸟兽散.不,先生!这我决不同意.不过,从现在起,要是在最近十天以内,乃至于两周以内,他们对我所归结出的罪状只要能提得出来哪怕有几项是不确实的,本人也非常乐意奉陪他们一块去见庭长.要是他们能向庭长提出他们已掌握的任何证据、或是希望能有的任何证据,或是从远处找到了一些知情的见证人,能证明这个小子无罪——啊,那就敢情好.我将乐意请求庭长给予他们充分时间(若庭长认为合适),甚至还可以将开庭审讯时间推迟到本人卸职以后也行.不过,要是我还在这里任职的时候开庭,正如我真心诚意希望的那样,那末,我就要竭尽绵薄提起公诉.这并不是我要谋求任何公职,而是因为现在我还是地方检察官,当然责无旁贷.至于本人参政的问题,哦,难道说贝尔纳普先生就没有参政了吗?他上次就是跟本人竞选过的.据我听说,这次他还要参加竞选."
于是,梅森就动身去奥尔巴尼,敦促州长注意到目前迫切需要最高法院迅即开一次特别庭,以便对克莱德起诉.州长听了梅森和贝尔纳普双方辩论,决定接受梅森的意见,理由是:准予开一次特别庭与有必要推迟审理本案的开庭日期,两者并不冲突.因为,被告一方的律师迄今为止提出的理由,好象怎么也不能说明:开一次特别庭也许就有碍于他们获得为审理本案所必需的充裕时间.再说,研究分析这类辩论,原是最高法院专门指派的法官份内之事——而并不是他这个州长的事.因此,就下令最高法院开一次特别庭,由第十一司法区法官弗雷德里克·奥伯沃泽担任庭长.于是,梅森去见庭长,要求确定大陪审团开会的日期,以便对克莱德起诉——结果就定在八月五日开会.
随后,大陪审团开会了,对梅森来说,作出对克莱德起诉的决定,原是一点儿困难都没有的.
在这以后,贝尔纳普和杰夫森只好去见民主党人奥伯沃泽(此人全赖前任州长帮助,才能任命为法官),申请变更审判地点,理由是:要在卡塔拉基县居民中找出十二个人来——他们虽受梅森公开和不公开的言论影响,但是对克莱德却并不早已极端敌视,也不事前相信他犯了罪——那真是不可想象的事.这就意味着,在被告一方的律师还没有向陪审团发言以前,克莱德事实上早就给定罪了.
"可是,你们到底想要上哪儿去审理呢?"这个相当公正的奥伯沃泽法官开口问道."这类材料到处都给登出来了."
"不过,法官先生阁下,这一罪行一直是被该地方检察官那么孜孜不倦地加以夸大了——"(来自梅森方面的冗长而又炽烈的反驳).
"但不管怎么说,我们还是坚决认为,"贝尔纳普接下去说."公众早已受到过度刺激和欺骗了.现在,您找不出十二个人来公正审判这个人了."
"多荒唐!"梅森怒冲冲地大声叫嚷."简直是胡扯淡!要知道各报刊他们自己采访、刊登的证据材料,就比我还要多得多哩.如果说现在已经产生了什么偏见的话,那也正是公众从本案里发现的一些事实所引起的.不过,我坚信,这儿偏见也并不见得比别地更加激烈吧.再说,绝大多数的证人就在这儿,要是本案移至一个边远的县份审判,本县就势必负担很大的一笔费用,这是本县开支不了的,而且事实证明也是毫无必要的."
奥伯沃泽法官,此人严肃认真,恪守道德,行动迟缓,办事精细,处理一切问题,喜欢墨守陈规,这时,他倾向于赞同梅森的意见.在随后的五天里,他对这个问题只是不紧不慢地考虑了一下.五天以后,他就决定拒绝被告一方提出变更审判地点的要求.倘若他作出的决定错了,反正还有受理上诉的法院,被告一方尽管可以到那儿告去吧.既然现在他已确定十月十五日为开庭审理的日期(在此以前,据他判断,被告一方辩护律师是有充裕的时间,可以为本案进行准备的),他打算前往蓝山湖畔自己的别墅去消磨残夏.如有什么特别复杂或是当地解决不了的法律纠纷,不管是检察官,还是被告一方的辩护律师,都可以上那儿去找他,他将亲自听取他们双方的意见.
不过,本案既有贝尔纳普和杰夫森两位先生插手,梅森觉得自己最好还得加一把劲,使克莱德定罪一事尽可能做到万无一失.他害怕那个年轻的杰夫森,并不亚于他害怕贝尔纳普,因此,他便带上伯顿·伯利、尼尔·纽科姆又一次来到了莱柯格斯.在那里,抛开别的不谈,他至少发现以下几点:(一)克莱德购买照相机的地点;(二)在大比腾湖之行前三天,他对佩顿太太说过,他想把照相机带在身边,又说他还得买几个胶卷;(三)有一个名叫奥林·肖特的杂货铺掌柜跟克莱德很熟,但在四个月以前,克莱德为了一个工人老婆怀孕的事向他求教过——还有(这是肖特作为最大的一项秘密对终于发现了他的伯顿·伯利私下讲的),他向克莱德推荐过一位住在格洛弗斯维尔附近名叫格伦的医生;(四)他们找到了这位格伦医生,还给格伦医生看过克莱德和罗伯达的照片,格伦能认出来的是罗伯达,但不是克莱德.格伦还讲到罗伯达来找他时的情绪,以及她所说的那些话——这些话无论如何不会暗示出克莱德或是她本人有罪,因此,梅森决定最好暂时不去提它了.
最后还有(五),经过积极努力,那个把帽子卖给克莱德的尤蒂卡帽商也出场了.因为伯顿·伯利在尤蒂卡接受记者访问后,伯利的照片就跟克莱德的照片一块上报——这个帽商碰巧看见了,还记得克莱德这个人,就马上跟梅森取得了联系.结果,帽商的证词,先是按照格式用打字机打好,又由本人宣过誓,就让梅森带走了.
此外,那个搭乘天鹅号汽船时注意过克莱德的乡下姑娘也给梅森写信说:她记得当时他戴了一顶草帽,还记得他是在沙隆上了岸的.这段证词充分证实了天鹅号船长的话,使梅森感到真是造物主或是命运之神在冥冥之中保佑了他.最后,他觉得,在所有发现中就数这一条最最重要:住在宾夕法尼亚州贝德福德的一位女士给他写信说,从七月三日至十日这一周里,她跟她丈夫正在大比腾东岸,亦即湖的南端帐篷里露宿.七月八日下午约莫六点钟光景,他们正在湖上划船时,她突然听到一阵尖叫声——听起来象是一个妇女或是姑娘在大声惊呼救命——是那么悲切切、凄惨惨.这一呼喊声很微弱,仿佛是打从小岛后头传过来的.这个小岛位于他们正在钓鱼的湖湾的西南面.
有关上述这一消息,以及照相机、胶卷、克莱德在堪萨斯城犯罪等材料,现在梅森打算绝对保持缄默,直到临近开庭审讯的日期,或是在开庭审讯的过程中,当被告一方的辩护律师怎么也没法反驳或是自圆其说时,这才亮出来.
至于贝尔纳普和杰夫森,他们简直想不出其实还有那么多的事可做的.他们只是抓住克莱德一到草湖就回心转意这一点,训练他怎样矢口否认,以及怎样解释两顶帽子和那只手提箱的问题.不错,还有扔在克兰斯顿家别墅附近第四号湖里的那套衣服,但因为有一个看来是偶尔才钓钓鱼的人,在那儿用拟饵钩拖钓了很久,不知怎的把那套衣服勾捞上来,又经过洗烫,现在就挂在贝尔纳普与杰夫森事务所上了锁的壁橱里.此外,还有沉入大比腾湖底的那架照相机,派人潜入湖底去找,可始终没有找到——这一情况让杰夫森得出一个结论,认为:那照相机想必已经落入梅森手里了.因此,他决定在开庭的时候,只要一有合适机会,就得抢先提到这架照相机.至于说克莱德拿照相机(即便是在无意之中)砸了她,嗯,这件事,至少在当时,他们决定让他否认说自己没有砸过——尽管罗伯达的尸体在比尔茨重新挖出来以后,即便在那时,还是发现她脸部伤痕跟照相机的大小形状确实在某种程度上是相符的.
贝尔纳普和杰夫森一开头对克莱德作为见证人一事就表示非常怀疑.他在说明这一切经过情形时,能不能说得那么直率、那么诚恳有力,足以使任何一个陪审团确实相信他并不是存心砸她呢?因为,陪审团信不信他的话,关键全在这儿,至于有没有伤痕,反正无所谓.要是陪审团并不相信他是无意之中砸了她,那末,当然罗,就会判他犯了杀人罪.
他们就这样准备等着不久即将开庭审讯,同时赶紧设法搜集有关克莱德过去品行端正的证明或是见证材料.不过,他们碰到了很大阻力:他在莱柯格斯时表面上佯装模范青年,暗底里却是另一个样子.他在堪萨斯城原是学生意开始,最后却以那么一件丑闻告终.
不管贝尔纳普、杰夫森也好,还是检察官也好,他们都觉得,有一件事最最麻烦也没有了,那就是:自从克莱德关进监狱以来,一直到现在为止,他自己家里或是他伯父家里,连一个人都没有出头露面,来给他说话撑腰.而且,他本人从来没有对人——除了对贝尔纳普和杰夫森以外——说过他父母是在哪里.可是,贝尔纳普和杰夫森就不时提到过:倘要真的想把克莱德说得好歹象个样子,不是少不了由他的父母,或是至少由他的任何一个兄弟姐妹出面,替他说上一两句好话吗?要不然,会给人很坏的印象,也许克莱德是个贱民、窝囊废,从小就在外漂泊流浪,所以嘛,凡是认得他的人,如今都故意躲着他哩.
因此,他们同达拉·布鲁克哈特磋商时,便问到克莱德的父母,知道在莱柯格斯的格里菲思家坚决反对,不让本家族西部分支中任何一个成员抛头露面.据布鲁克哈特解释,在这两家的社会地位之间,有着一道不可逾越的深沟,这一点若被人们利用,莱柯格斯的格里菲思家自然不会乐意.再说,克莱德的父母一旦被黄色报刊注意到或是发现了,有谁能担保不会被他们大肆渲染呢.据布鲁克哈特对贝尔纳普说,塞缪尔·格里菲思父子俩都关照过,只要克莱德不反对,最好还是让他的一些近亲留在幕后.事实上,他们对克莱德经济上的帮助,也许——至少在某种程度上——就取决于这一点.
克莱德对格里菲思家的这一愿望完全表示同意.虽然人们跟他充分交谈过之后,或是听他说起过因曾经出了事给母亲很大打击而感到非常难过,没有一个人会对他和母亲之间固有的这种骨肉之情产生一丁点儿的怀疑.其实,说透了,目前他对母亲的态度是既害怕,又羞愧,两者兼而有之,真不知道她老人家会怎样看待他眼前的困境——以及怎样看待如果不说是他在上流社会的失败,至少也是他的道德堕落问题.贝尔纳普和杰夫森杜撰的那一套所谓他回心转意的说法,她老人家肯相信吗?就是撇开那个不谈,只要想一想:她路远迢迢地来到这儿,透过这些铁栅栏瞅着简直无地自容的儿子——而他不得不天天跟她见面,天天跟她说话!瞧她那双明亮的、多疑的、痛苦的眼睛啊!还有,她也会对他的无辜发生怀疑啊!因为他感到,即使贝尔纳普和杰夫森为他辩护设计了那么多的方案,可他们还有点儿怀疑!他是不是真的在无意之中砸了她一下.其实,他们并不是真的相信,说不定还会告诉了她.那时,他那虔诚的、敬畏上帝、嫉恶如仇的母亲,会比他们更加相信他吗?
他们再一次问他,该不该通知他母亲,有什么意见时,他回答说,他认为他暂时还不想跟他母亲见面——这种见面不会有什么好处,只会使双方都感到痛苦罢了.
他暗自琢磨,看来他这一切遭遇,幸亏一个字也还没有传到丹佛他父母那儿.由于他们宗教信仰和道德观念非常特别,凡是世俗的、堕落的报刊,一概不准进入他们的家门和传道馆.而莱柯格斯的格里菲思家,也一点儿都不想通知他们.
不过,有一天晚上(大约贝尔纳普和杰夫森正在非常认真地讨论克莱德父母该不该出面,真不知道究竟该怎么办的时候),爱思德(她在克莱德到莱柯格斯后不久结了婚,目下住在丹佛东南区)碰巧看到《落基山新闻》上——正是在布里奇伯格的大陪审团决定应对克莱德提起公诉以后刊登的一条新闻报道:
谋杀女工的年轻凶犯受起诉
(纽约州布里奇伯格八月六日讯)由本州州长斯托德巴克指定受理克莱德·格里菲思一案的特别大陪审团,今天确认起诉书中控告克莱德犯有谋杀罪.克莱德·格里菲思是纽约州莱柯格斯领子制造业殷富厂商格里菲思的侄子,最近被指控,说他于七月八日在艾迪隆达克斯山脉大比腾湖上杀害了纽约州比尔茨的罗伯达·奥尔登小姐.
起诉书宣读以后,被告格里菲思不顾几乎无法辩驳的证据,仍然坚称:这一嫌疑罪行乃是在无意之中所造成.被告由他的辩护律师、来自本市的阿尔文·贝尔纳普和鲁本·杰夫森陪同,被传讯至最高法院法官奥伯沃泽面前,但仍申辩自己无罪.克莱德当即还押,预定十月十五日开庭再审.
青年格里菲思,今年才二十二岁,被捕前系莱柯格斯上流社会里受人尊敬的一成员.据悉,他将他的那位当女工的情人砸昏后,随即抛至湖中令她溺死.格里菲思曾玷污过她,后来为了一位富家少女,才准备将前者抛弃.本案辩护律师系由其莱柯格斯富翁伯父所延聘.克莱德的伯父迄今为止,仍然保持超然态度.但据此间人士证实,除了伯父以外,亲属中竟无人出庭为其辩护.
爱思德马上急匆匆来到了自己娘家.尽管这条新闻报道说得已经非常准确清楚,她还不肯相信它指的就是克莱德.它提到的地名、人名,也还是非常有力,很难驳倒——莱柯格斯的富翁格里菲思,以及本人亲属均未到场.
她搭乘了电车,尽可能快点赶到比尔德威尔街那个名叫《希望之星》的寄宿舍兼传道馆——它并不见得比往昔在堪萨斯城的那一个强多少.因为,这里虽有好几个房间可供出租,客人住一宿只缴美元两角五分(这想必对全家人生活也够开支了),但工作挺繁杂,其实并没有多大进项.另外,弗兰克和朱丽娅两人,对她们周围这种单调沉闷的环境早已腻味透顶,急于想脱身出来,把传道馆工作这副重担留给她们的父母去挑.朱丽娅今年十九岁,在市中心一家餐馆当出纳;弗兰克快满十七岁了,不久前才在一家水果蔬菜代销店找到了工作.事实上,白天家里仅仅有一个孩子——小拉塞尔,就是爱思德的私生子,现在才三、四岁,他的外公外婆出于谨慎小心起见,推托说是在堪萨斯城领养的一个孤儿.这孩子头发乌黑,有些地方酷似克莱德.即使年纪还很小,他如同当年的克莱德那样,这里已在给他灌输的,正是克莱德小时候最反感的那些基本的真理了.
爱思德如今已是个极其收敛和含蓄的已婚妇女了.她进来时,格里菲思太太正在忙活:擦地板、掸灰尘、拾掇床铺.可是,一见女儿两颊煞白,突然在这当儿风风火火地赶来,便示意她进空房间去.纵然多年来格里菲思太太饱经忧患,对类似突发事故多少习以为常了,这时她还是万分惊愕,放下了手里活儿,眼里马上闪现出愁云惨雾.莫非又是什么新的不幸消息吗?因为,爱思德那双黯淡无光的灰眼睛和她的举止神态清清楚楚地预示着灾难临头了.接着,她随手打开一张报纸,心焦火燎地看了母亲一眼,就指着那段新闻报道.于是,格里菲思太太使开始看了起来.但这到底是怎么回事呢?
谋杀女工的年轻凶犯受起诉
"案犯被告发于七月八日在艾迪隆达克斯
山脉大比腾湖上杀害罗伯达·奥尔登小姐."
"确认起诉书中控告克莱德犯有谋杀罪."
"不顾铁证如山,他仍坚决申辩自己无罪."
"案犯还押候审,预定十月十五日开庭."
"他那当女工的情人被砸昏后随即溺死."
"他的亲属中竟无人出庭为其辩护."
她的眼睛、她的脑子,就这样很自然地抓住了这最最重要的几行字.接着很快又看了一遍.
"克莱德·格里菲思,纽约州莱柯格斯领子制造业殷富厂商的侄子."
克莱德——她的儿子!不过在最近——哦,不,是在一个多月以前——(她和阿萨一直就有点儿担心,因为他没有——)七月八日!现在已经是八月十一日了!那就是说——是的!可是不,那决不是她的儿子!不可能!克莱德是把他的情人——一个姑娘杀害了的凶犯!他可不是那号人啊!他给她写过信,说自己如何有长进,主管一个很大的部门,前途未可限量.不过只字不提什么姑娘不姑娘的事.可是,现在啊!还有在堪萨斯城的时候那个小女孩呀.仁慈的上帝啊!而莱柯格斯的格里菲思,他丈夫的哥哥——明明知道这件事,可就是不写信来!当然罗,他觉得这是奇耻大辱,被人唾弃.要不然是漠不关心.可是,不,他毕竟请了两位辩护律师.不过,这有多可怕!阿萨啊!她的其他几个孩子啊!报刊上会怎么说呢!这座传道馆啊!看来他们非得放弃不可,到别的城市去.不过,孩子他到底有罪,还是无罪?在还没有对他作出判断或是周密考虑以前,她非要把这个问题闹明白不可.这份报上说他申辩自己无罪.啊,堪萨斯城那家可恶的、鄙俗的漂亮的大酒店啊!还有那些坏小子——克莱德的同伴们啊!在这两年里,他到处漂泊流浪,不给父母来信,连自己名字都改成哈里·台纳特啊.净干了些什么呢?又学到了些什么呢?
她沉吟不语,满怀极度痛苦和恐怖.即使她长年累月在劝人信仰上帝给人以启示和安慰的真理,信仰上帝仁慈和拯救,殊不知此时此刻,这一信仰却也显得十分无能为力.她的孩子啊!她的克莱德!关押在监狱里,犯有谋杀罪!她非打电报去不可!她非写信去不可!也许她还得去一趟.不过,上哪儿去寻摸这笔盘缠呢?她到了那儿以后,又该怎么办呢?怎么才会有胆量——有信心——能顶得住这一切啊.还有,不论是阿萨也好,弗兰克也好,还是朱丽娅也好,万万不可让他们知道.阿萨,他的那股子信心固然坚定,但多少被忧患耗损了,他的眼力很差,还有他的身体也日益虚弱.再说,弗兰克和朱丽娅刚刚踏上人生的道路,难道说他们一定要背上这个包袱?打上这么一个标记吗?
仁慈的上帝啊!难道说她的不幸永远是没完没了的吗?
她侧转身来,她的那一双因干活太多、变粗了的大手在微微颤抖,捏在手里的报纸也在抖抖索索.爱思德伫立在她身旁.她知道母亲不得不忍受这一切痛苦,所以,这些天来,她是特别同情母亲.本来母亲有时看起来就那么劳累,而现在却又受到这么大的一个打击!可她知道,全家就数母亲最最坚强——是这么坚毅不屈,双肩宽阔,无所畏惧——她百折不挠,始终如一,是一个名副其实的灵魂的舵手.
"妈妈,我简直不相信这是克莱德呀,"爱思德敢于说出来的,也仅仅是这么一句话."这是不可能的,是吧?"
不料,格里菲思太太两眼直勾勾地还在瞅着报上这条不祥的标题.随后,很快她的那双灰蓝色眼睛把那个房间扫了一眼.她的那张大脸盘,由于极端紧张和极端痛苦而显得特别苍白.她这个有罪的、迷途的,当然是不幸的儿子,那么痴心妄想往上爬——如今死亡威胁着他.他因为犯了杀人罪,将被送上电椅!他杀了一个人——一个可怜的女工.报上就是这么说的.
"嘘!"她低声耳语道,意味深长地把一个手指按在自己嘴唇上."不管怎么说,暂时还不能让他(指阿萨)知道.我们还得先打个电报去,或是写封信去.他们的回信也许可以寄到你那儿.我把钱给你.可现在我还得先坐着歇一会儿.我觉得身上有点儿不对劲.那我就坐在这儿吧.把《圣经》给我."
梳妆台上有一本基甸国际①所赠送的《圣经》.格里菲思太太坐在一张普通的铁床床沿上,打开《圣经》,本能地翻到《诗篇》第三、第四篇.
①基甸国际,又译"基甸社",1899年成立于美国,专门到旅馆、医院等处放置《圣经》.
"耶和华啊,我的敌人何其加增."
"显我为义的上帝啊,我呼吁的时候,求你应允我."
随后,她默默地、甚至显然很安详地读了第六、第八、第十、第十三、第二十三、第九十一等篇,爱思德却满怀默默无言的惊愕和悲痛伫立在一旁.
"啊,妈妈,这我简直不能相信.啊,这太可怕了!"
然而,格里菲思太太还在继续读下去,好象她可以将这一切置之不理,依然躲到一个寂然无声的地方,在那里,凡夫俗子的罪恶至少暂时不会影响到她.最后,她终于平静地把书合上,站了起来,继续说:
"现在,我们还得想一想该说些什么,这封电报由谁来发给布里奇伯格——当然,我这是说发给克莱德的,"她又找补着说,望了一眼报纸,然后又插了一句《圣经》上的话——"上帝啊,你必以威严秉公义应允我们!"①"要不然,也许就发给那两位辩护律师——他们的尊姓大名就在这儿.我怕打电报给阿萨的哥哥,就是怕他会回电给阿萨.(她接着说:"耶和华啊,你是我的力量,是我的盾牌.我心里依靠你."②)不过,要是我们打给那个法官或是那两位辩护律师转交,我想,人家是会交给他看的,你说是吗?不过,依我看,最好还是直接打给克莱德.("他领我在可安歇的水边."③)仅仅是说他的事我已从报上看到了,但我还是相信他,我还是爱他的,不过,他得把全部真相告诉我,也说说我们该怎么办.依我看,要是他需要钱,我们就得想一想,该怎么寻摸去呢.("他使我的灵瑰苏醒."④)"
①详见《圣经·旧约·诗篇》
②同上,第28篇第6节.
③同上,第23篇第2节.
④同上,第23篇第3节.
这时,她尽管心里突然呈现片刻安谧,却又开始在来回搓她那双粗大的手."啊,这不可能是真的.啊,天哪,不!毕竟他是我的儿子呀.我们全都爱他,全都相信他.这一点我们非说不呵.上帝会拯救他.要警觉,要祈祷.切莫失去信心.在上帝的佑护下,你心里将会感到安宁."
她早已不能控制自己,所以连她也不知道自己在说些什么.在她身旁的爱思德说:"是的,妈妈!啊,当然罗!是的,我会写信、打电报去的,我知道他准定会收到的."不过,这时她也正在自言自语道:"我的天哪!我的天哪!被指控有杀人罪——还能有比这更倒霉的事情吗!不过,当然罗,这不可能是真的.这不可能是真的!要是他能听到就好了!"(她想到了自己的丈夫.)"而且是在拉塞尔出了事情以后.是在克莱德在堪萨斯城出了事以后.可怜的妈妈.她吃的苦头真是太多啦."
过了一会儿,她们俩避开正在隔壁房间帮着拾掇的阿萨,一块来到了下面传道馆大厅,那儿一片沉寂,四壁挂满了宣扬上帝仁慈、智慧和永恒正义的招贴画.
回复 引用 新鲜事
顶端
司凌。

ZxID：9742737

2429874鲜花 36鸡蛋

等级: 派派版主
配偶: 此微夜
原名：独爱穿越。
举报 只看该作者 85楼  发表于: 2013-10-25 0

Part 3 Chapter 18
The telegram, worded in the spirit just described, was forthwith despatched care of Belknap and Jephson, whoimmediately counseled Clyde what to reply--that all was well with him; that he had the best of advice and wouldneed no financial aid. Also that until his lawyers advised it, it would be best if no member of the family troubledto appear, since everything that could possibly be done to aid him was already being done. At the same time theywrote Mrs. Griffiths, assuring her of their interest in Clyde and advising her to let matters rest as they were forthe present.
　　Despite the fact that the Griffiths were thus restrained from appearing in the east, neither Belknap nor Jephsonwere averse to some news of the existence, whereabouts, faith and sympathy of Clyde's most immediate relativescreeping into the newspapers, since the latter were so persistent in referring to his isolation. And in thisconnection they were aided by the fact that his mother's telegram on being received in Bridgeburg was at onceread by individuals who were particularly interested in the case and by them whispered to the public and thepress, with the result that in Denver the family was at once sought out and interviewed. And shortly after, therewas circulated in all the papers east and west a more or less complete account of the present state of Clyde'sfamily, the nature of the mission conducted by them, as well as their narrow and highly individualistic religiousbeliefs and actions, even the statement that often in his early youth Clyde had been taken into the streets to singand pray--a revelation which shocked Lycurgus and Twelfth Lake society about as much as it did him.
　　At the same time, Mrs. Griffiths, being an honest woman and whole-heartedly sincere in her faith and in thegood of her work, did not hesitate to relate to reporter after reporter who called, all the details of the missionarywork of her husband and herself in Denver and elsewhere. Also that neither Clyde nor any of the other childrenhad ever enjoyed the opportunities that come to most. However, her boy, whatever the present charge might be,was not innately bad, and she could not believe that he was guilty of any such crime. It was all an unfortunateand accidental combination of circumstances which he would explain at the trial. However, whatever foolishthing he might have done, it was all to be attributed to an unfortunate accident which broke up the mission workin Kansas City a few years before and compelled the removal of the family from there to Denver, leaving Clydeto make his way alone. And it was because of advice from her that he had written her husband's rich brother inLycurgus, which led to his going there--a series of statements which caused Clyde in his cell to tingle with a kindof prideful misery and resentment and forced him to write his mother and complain. Why need she always talkso much about the past and the work that she and his father were connected with, when she knew that he hadnever liked it and resented going on the streets? Many people didn't see it as she and his father did, particularlyhis uncle and cousin and all those rich people he had come to know, and who were able to make their way in sodifferent and much more brilliant fashion. And now, as he said to himself, Sondra would most certainly read this--all that he had hoped to conceal.
　　Yet even in the face of all this, because of so much sincerity and force in his mother, he could not help but thinkof her with affection and respect, and because of her sure and unfailing love for him, with emotion. For in answerto his letter she wrote that she was sorry if she had hurt his feelings or injured him in any way. But must not thetruth be shown always? The ways of God were for the best and surely no harm could spring from service in Hiscause. He must not ask her to lie. But if he said the word, she would so gladly attempt to raise the necessarymoney and come to his aid--sit in his cell and plan with him--holding his hands--but as Clyde so well knew andthought at this time and which caused him to decide that she must not come yet--demanding of him the truth-withthose clear, steady blue eyes of hers looking into his own. He could not stand that now.
　　For, frowning directly before him, like a huge and basalt headland above a troubled and angry sea, was the trialitself, with all that it implied--the fierce assault of Mason which he could only confront, for the most part, withthe lies framed for him by Jephson and Belknap. For, although he was constantly seeking to salve his consciencewith the thought that at the last moment he had not had the courage to strike Roberta, nevertheless this otherstory was so terribly difficult for him to present and defend--a fact which both Belknap and Jephson realized andwhich caused the latter to appear most frequently at Clyde's cell door with the greeting: "Well, how's tricks today?"The peculiarly rusty and disheveled and indifferently tailored character of Jephson's suits! The worn anddisarranged effect of his dark brown soft hat, pulled low over his eyes! His long, bony, knotty hands, suggestingsomehow an enormous tensile strength. And the hard, small blue eyes filled with a shrewd, determined cunningand courage, with which he was seeking to inoculate Clyde, and which somehow did inoculate him!
　　"Any more preachers around to-day? Any more country girls or Mason's boys?" For during this time, because ofthe enormous interest aroused by the pitiable death of Roberta, as well as the evidence of her rich and beautifulrival, Clyde was being visited by every type of shallow crime-or-sex-curious country bumpkin lawyer, doctor,merchant, yokel evangelist or minister, all friends or acquaintances of one or another of the officials of the city,and who, standing before his cell door betimes, and at the most unexpected moments, and after surveying himwith curious, or resentful, or horrified eyes, asked such questions as: "Do you pray, brother? Do you get rightdown on your knees and pray?" (Clyde was reminded of his mother and father at such times.) Had he made hispeace with God? Did he actually deny that he had killed Roberta Alden? In the case of three country girls:
　　"Would you mind telling us the name of the girl you are supposed to be in love with, and where she is now? Wewon't tell any one. Will she appear at the trial?" Questions which Clyde could do no more than ignore, or if not,answer as equivocally or evasively or indifferently as possible. For although he was inclined to resent them, stillwas he not being constantly instructed by both Belknap and Jephson that for the good of his own cause he musttry to appear genial and civil and optimistic? Then there came also newspaper men, or women, accompanied byartists or photographers, to interview and make studies of him. But with these, for the most part and on theadvice of Belknap and Jephson he refused to communicate or said only what he was told to say.
　　"You can talk all you want," suggested Jephson, genially, "so long as you don't say anything. And the stiff upperlip, you know. And the smile that won't come off, see? Not failing to go over that list, are you?" (He hadprovided Clyde with a long list of possible questions which no doubt would be asked him on the stand and whichhe was to answer according to answers typewritten beneath them, or to suggest something better. They all related to the trip to Big Bittern, his reason for the extra hat, his change of heart--why, when, where.) "That's yourlitany, you know." And then he might light a cigarette without ever offering one to Clyde, since for the sake of areputation for sobriety he was not to smoke here.
　　And for a time, after each visit, Clyde finding himself believing that he could and would do exactly as Jephsonhad said--walk briskly and smartly into court--bear up against every one, every eye, even that of Mason himself-forgetthat he was afraid of him, even when on the witness stand--forget all the terror of those many facts inMason's possession, which he was to explain with this list of answers--forget Roberta and her last cry, and all theheartache and misery that went with the loss of Sondra and her bright world.
　　Yet, with the night having once more fallen, or the day dragging on with only the lean and bearded Kraut or thesly and evasive Sissel, or both, hanging about, or coming to the door to say, "Howdy!" or to discuss somethingthat had occurred in town, or to play chess, or checkers, Clyde growing more and more moody and deciding,maybe, that there was no real hope for him after all. For how alone he was, except for his attorneys and motherand brother and sisters! Never a word from Sondra, of course. For along with her recovery to some extent fromher original shock and horror, she was now thinking somewhat differently of him--that after all it was for love ofher, perhaps, that he had slain Roberta and made himself the pariah and victim that he now was. Yet, because ofthe immense prejudice and horror expressed by the world, she was by no means able to think of venturing tosend him a word. Was he not a murderer? And in addition, that miserable western family of his, pictured as streetpreachers, and he, too,--or as a singing and praying boy from a mission! Yet occasionally returning in thought,and this quite in spite of herself, to his eager, unreasoning and seemingly consuming enthusiasm for her. (Howdeeply he must have cared to venture upon so deadly a deed!) And hence wondering whether at some time, oncethis case was less violently before the public eye, it might not be possible to communicate with him in someguarded and unsigned way, just to let him know, perhaps, that because of his great love for her she desired himto know that he was not entirely forgotten. Yet as instantly deciding, NO, no--her parents--if they should learn-orguess--or the public, or her one-time associates. Not now, oh, not now at least. Maybe later if he were setfree--or--or--convicted--she couldn't tell. Yet suffering heartaches for the most part--as much as she detested andabhorred the horrible crime by which he had sought to win her.
　　And in the interim, Clyde in his cell, walking to and fro, or looking out on the dull square through the heavilybarred windows, or reading and re-reading the newspapers, or nervously turning the pages of magazines or booksfurnished by his counsel, or playing chess or checkers, or eating his meals, which, by special arrangement on thepart of Belknap and Jephson (made at the request of his uncle), consisted of better dishes than were usuallyfurnished to the ordinary prisoner.
　　Yet with the iterated and reiterated thought, based on the seemingly irreparable and irreconcilable loss of Sondra,as to whether it was possible for him to go on with this--make this, as he at times saw it, almost useless fight.
　　At times, in the middle of the night or just before dawn, with all the prison silent--dreams--a ghastly picture of allthat he most feared and that dispelled every trace of courage and drove him instantly to his feet, his heartpounding wildly, his eyes strained, a cold damp upon his face and hands. That chair, somewhere in the Statepenitentiary. He had read of it--how men died in it. And then he would walk up and down, thinking how, how, incase it did not come about as Jephson felt so sure that it would--in case he was convicted and a new trialrefused--then, well--then, might one be able to break out of such a jail as this, maybe, and run away? These old brick walls. How thick were they? But was it possible that with a hammer or a stone, or something that some onemight bring him--his brother Frank, or his sister Julia, or Ratterer, or Hegglund--if only he could get incommunication with some one of them and get him or her to bring him something of the kind--If only he couldget a saw, to saw those bars! And then run, run, as he should have in those woods up there that time! But how?
　　And whither?
第十八章
按照以上所述写成的一封电报,当即发出,烦请贝尔纳普和杰夫森转交.他们收到以后,马上给克莱德出点子,要他回答说:目下他一切都好,他的辩护律师很出色.同时也不需要经济上的帮助.还说,要是他的辩护律师没有通知他们,最好不要麻烦家里来人了,因为,凡是他需要的各种帮助,只要能办到的,早都在办了.同时,他们还另外写信给格里菲思太太,向她保证他们非常关心克莱德,并劝她这件事暂时不要去管为好.
纵然西部格里菲思一家人因受劝阻,没有在东部出现,可是,不论是贝尔纳普也好,还是杰夫森也好,他们都不反对各报上点点滴滴透露出一些情况,说克莱德是有亲人的,现在他们都在什么地方,以及他们个个对克莱德满怀着信心和同情.因为,在这以前,各报总是动不动就提到克莱德孤苦伶仃,得不到亲人们的关怀.而令各报喜出望外的是,克莱德母亲的电报一到布里奇伯格,就被一些对本案特别感兴趣的人看见了.这些人又把此事偷偷她告诉了公众与报界某些人.结果,在丹佛的这一家人,立即被记者一找到就采访过了.东部、西部所有的报纸,都刊载了一篇相当详尽的报道,比方说,有关克莱德家的目前境况,他们经办的传道馆的活动,他们非常狭隘而又独特的宗教信仰和实践,甚至还谈到,克莱德小时候,也不得不上街唱赞美诗、做祈祷——这些消息在报端一披露,几乎使莱柯格斯和第十二号湖畔上流社会人士,如同克莱德本人一样深感震惊.
格里菲思太太是个诚实的女人,对自己的信仰和活动,真可以说是虔心城意.她毫不迟疑地对一个个登门采访的记者介绍了她丈夫和她自己在丹佛等地传道的详细情况.她还说到,别人家孩子一般都能过上好日子,可是,不管克莱德也好,还是她其他的孩子也好,却一个也没能沾上边.但是话又说回来,不管目前控告他犯了什么什么罪,她的孩子天性并不坏,她决不相信他真的会犯了这一类罪行.这一切全是一些不幸的意外事故凑在一起而造成的,他在法庭受审时是会解释清楚的.可是,不管他可能做过一些什么荒唐事,说到底,毛病全都出在那次不幸的意外事故上.几年前,他们也就不得不放弃在堪萨斯城的传道活动,举家迁往丹佛,好让克莱德独自谋生去.正是由于她的劝告,她的丈夫才写信给莱柯格斯的那个有钱的哥哥,因此后来还到莱柯格斯去了一趟.克莱德在牢房里读到这一系列采访报道,觉得伤了他的自尊心,因而极为反感.最后,他不得不写信给母亲,大发牢骚,说她干吗非要把过去的事以及她和他父亲的传教活动老是讲个没完没了,既然她也知道他儿子从来不喜欢这一套,而且对上街传道历来是很反感的?很多人的看法跟她和他父亲迥然不同,特别是他的伯父和堂兄以及他有幸结识的所有一切有钱人,他们都是通过完全不同,而且光彩得多的办法获得成功.现在,他自言自语地说,想必桑德拉当然也会看到这一切——所有这些他一直想隐瞒的事了.
不过,尽管这样,他一想起母亲禁不住心中满怀着眷爱和敬意,因为母亲身上充满了那么多的热诚和力量,而且,她始终如一、坚定不移地爱他,就使他情绪上更加激动不已.她在给他的回信上说,要是她伤了他的心,或是伤害了他的感情,那她也是很难过的.不过话又说回来,难道真理不是永远应该让人讲吗?上帝的道路都是通往至善至美的道路,侍奉上帝当然不会招来什么恶果.克莱德决不应该要求她说谎话.不过,只要他开口说一句话,她一定高高兴兴地设法筹措一笔必不可缺的钱,赶来帮助他——跟他一起坐班房,琢磨拯救他的方案——握住他的手——不过,克莱德心里很明白,也早就考虑过了,因此,他决定现在还千万不能让她来——她依然等着他说真话——她的那双明亮、坚定的蓝眼睛会直瞪瞪地盯住他的眼睛.这在目前真叫他受不了.
因为,他面临着法庭受审——审讯如同怒涛汹涌的大海上一座巨大的玄武岩岬横在他面前.何况一开庭就意味着梅森的猛烈攻击,对此,克莱德多半只能用杰夫森、贝尔纳普替他编好的那一套假话来应对.虽然他一直聊以自慰的是:在最后关键时刻,他总算没有勇气去砸罗伯达,可是,要他另外编出一套话来,而且还得为之进行辩护,他觉得委实太难了——贝尔纳普和杰夫森看出了这一点,所以,杰夫森就经常光临克莱德牢房门口,跟他打招呼,说:"喂,今天的事儿怎么样?"瞧杰夫森身上这套衣服,样子真怪,又旧,又脏,针脚也马虎极了!还有他头上歪戴着的那顶深棕色破帽子,低得快要盖住眼睛了!他的那双瘦骨嶙峋的长手,多少给人显示出一种巨大的力量.他的那双严峻的、小小的蓝眼睛,精明、坚定、狡猾,但又充满了勇气——这些气质正是他竭力灌输给克莱德的,而且好歹部分已经灌输给他了!
"今天又有谁来过没有?比方说,是什么传教士、什么乡下姑娘呀,还是梅森的伙计们?"因为,近来人们对罗伯达的惨死,及其有钱而又美丽的情敌,都激起了极大的兴趣.因此,对犯罪只是一知半解的,或是对性问题感到好奇的各色人等,诸如乡下的蹩脚律师、医生、掌柜、乡村福音传教士或牧师,还有本地这个或那个官员的所有朋友、熟人,都赶来这儿竞相争睹克莱德了.他们老早就伫立在他的牢房门口,先是用好奇、憎恨,或是可怕的眼光把他上下打量一番,然后冷不防向他提出类似这样的一些问题:"你要做祷告吗,伙计?你还不马上跪下来做祷告?"(这时,克莱德就常常回想起了他的父母.)他向上帝祈求宽恕了吗?他确实否认他杀害了罗伯达·奥尔登小姐吗?有一回,三个乡下姑娘一块问他:"请你把你据说爱过的那位姑娘的名字告诉我们?现在她在哪个地方?我们决不会告诉任何一个人的.到时候她也会出庭吗?"对于这些问题,克莱德只能一概置之不理,要不然,回答时就尽量含糊其词、模棱两可,或是漫不经心.尽管他对这些问题讨厌透了,可是,贝尔纳普和杰夫森却不时点拨他说,为了他自己着想,他还得佯装自己很和气,很有礼貌,很乐观呢?紧接着,还有一些男女新闻记者,带着画家或摄影记者一起前来采访,为他拍照画像.不过,对于这些人,他根据贝尔纳普和杰夫森的旨意,八成儿拒绝交谈,要不然向他们只说事先关照过他该说的一些话."你不妨爱怎么说,就怎么说呗,"杰夫森和蔼地给他出主意说."只要你什么都不说出来就得了.此外,你自己要沉住气,明白吧?脸上还要陪笑,明白吧?别忘了常常翻翻那份单子吧?"(杰夫森给了克莱德一份长长的单子,上面列出了开庭时势必向他提出的一些问题,那时他就得按照用打字机打在那些问题下面的答案作回答,要不然,此刻想到有什么更好的意见就不妨提出来.所有这些问题,都涉及到他的大比腾之行,他又买了另外一顶草帽的原因,他回心转意的原因——是为了什么,在什么时候,又是在什么地方.)"这些你可要记得烂熟,你明白吧?"随后,也许他就给自己点燃一支烟卷,可他从来也不给克莱德递烟的,因为让他能有一个正派青年的名声,克莱德在这里是不能抽烟的.
有一段时间,在杰夫森每次探监以后,克莱德觉得杰夫森的吩咐自己完全可以做到——精神抖擞、步态轻盈地走向法庭——不管是什么人,也不管是哪一人的目光,甚至是梅森本人的目光,他都能顶得住——哪怕是在证人席上,他也能忘掉自己对梅森的惧怕——梅森所掌握的这许许多多事实,他将按照这份单子上的答案一一加以解释,面对这些事实时的恐怖,他也能忘掉——还有罗伯达、她那最后的惨叫声,以及失去桑德拉和她快活的小天地以后所产生的内心痛苦和不幸,他通通能忘掉了.
不过,每当夜色又将降临,或是度日如年的时候,眼前只有那个瘦骨嶙峋、满脸胡子茬的克劳特,或是那个狡猾而又不可捉摸的西塞尔,或者他们两人都在附近转悠,也许会来到牢房门口说一声:"你好吧!"或是闲扯本镇发生的什么新闻,或者下象棋、玩跳棋,这时,克莱德心中就越发感到忧郁,觉得自己出狱也许压根儿没有什么希望了.因为,他该有多么孤单啊,除了还有他的辩护律师、母亲、弟弟、姐妹的话!桑德拉,当然罗,决不会给他捎来片言只语的.因为,当初她确实感到震惊和骇怕,但是惊魂甫定以后,她对克莱德的想法就多少有些不同了——归根到底,他之所以杀害罗伯达,沦为今日被人唾弃的倒霉鬼.也许就是为了爱她.但由于整个社会极深的偏见和震惊,她怎么也不敢想到给他写信,哪怕只是个短信.他不就是一个杀人犯啊?何况,他在西部的那个家,该有多惨呀,据报上说他父母都是沿街传道的人,连他本人也是——要不然就是来自传道馆的一个专门唱赞美诗、做祈祷的孩子!不过,有时,她也情不自禁回想到他对她那股子急切的、丧失理性的、看来足以使他自我毁灭的热情.(想必是他爱她爱得那么深,这才敢铤而走险呀!)因此,她在暗自琢磨,不妨等到某个时候,这一案件不象现在这样遭到公众激烈反对,是不是可以通过某种谨慎的、不署名的方式写信给他,也许仅仅是让他知道:他并没有完全被遗忘,因为从前他是那么狂热地爱过她.可她马上又决定,不,不行——她的父母——他们要是知道了,或是猜到了——再有,万一给大家,或是给她过去的朋友们知道了,那还了得.现在可写不得,哦,至少现在还写不得.也许再稍晚一些日子,等他被释放了,或是——或是——定了罪——连她自己还说不准.可她心里一直感到创巨痛深——对于他为了竭力想赢得她而犯下的这种骇人的罪行,她是多么深恶痛绝啊.
就在这时,克莱德正在他的牢房里来回走动,或是透过铁窗望着外面死气沉沉的广场,或是把一些报纸读了又读,或是忐忑不安地翻阅着他的辩护律师送来的那些书报杂志,或是下象棋、玩跳棋,或是按时进餐,由于贝尔纳普和杰夫森同狱长作出了特别安排(这是他伯父提出的意见),他的饭菜供应要比普通犯人的好一些.
可是一想到自己似乎无可弥补地失去了桑德拉,他心里老是在琢磨,自己能不能把这场——这场他有时觉得几乎毫无用处的斗争继续坚持下去.
有时,在深更半夜,或是在刚破晓以前,整个监狱里寂然无声——一个个梦——他最害怕的恐怖的画面使他的勇气丧失殆尽,惊得他一跃而起,心儿狂跳,两眼睁得大大的,脸上、手上直冒冷汗.在本州监狱里某处的那张电椅呀.从前克莱德读到过——犯人们怎样在这张电椅上死去的.他就开始走来走去,暗自思忖:万一结果并不象杰夫森感到的那样十拿九稳的话——万一他被定了罪,复审的要求又被驳回的话,那怎么办——那时,啊——那时,也许能不能从这儿越狱出逃?这些旧砖墙.该有多厚呀?也许用一把铁锤就是一块石头,反正不拘是谁——他弟弟弗兰克,或是他妹妹朱丽娅,或是拉特勒,或是赫格伦——也许会带给他什么东西——只要他能跟他们里头某个人接上头,让他们把这一类东西带给他——只要他能寻摸到一把锯子,把这些铁栅栏锯断!然后,出逃,出逃,如同上次在树林子里他早就应该逃跑了!可是,怎么逃跑呢?逃往何方呢?
回复 引用 新鲜事
顶端
司凌。

ZxID：9742737

2429874鲜花 36鸡蛋

等级: 派派版主
配偶: 此微夜
原名：独爱穿越。
举报 只看该作者 86楼  发表于: 2013-10-25 0

Part 3 Chapter 19
OCTOBER 15--with gray clouds and a sharp, almost January wind that herded the fallen leaves into piles andthen scurried them in crisp and windy gusts like flying birds here and there. And, in spite of the sense of struggleand tragedy in the minds of many, with an electric chair as the shadowy mental background to it all, a sense ofholiday or festival, with hundreds of farmers, woodsmen, traders, entering in Fords and Buicks--farmer wivesand husbands-- daughters and sons--even infants in arms. And then idling about the public square long before thetime for court to convene, or, as the hour neared, congregating before the county jail in the hope of obtaining aglimpse of Clyde, or before the courthouse door nearest the jail, which was to be the one entrance to thecourtroom for the public and Clyde, and from which position they could see and assure entrance into thecourtroom itself when the time came. And a flock of pigeons parading rather dismally along the cornices andgutters of the upper floor and roof of the ancient court.
　　And with Mason and his staff--Burton Burleigh, Earl Newcomb, Zillah Saunders, and a young Bridgeburg lawgraduate by the name of Manigault--helping to arrange the order of evidence as well as direct or instruct thevarious witnesses and venire-men who were already collecting in the antechamber of the now almost nationallyknown attorney for the people. And with cries outside of: "Peanuts!" "Popcorn!" "Hot dogs!" "Get the story ofClyde Griffiths, with all the letters of Roberta Alden. Only twenty-five cents!" (This being a set of duplicatecopies of Roberta's letters which had been stolen from Mason's office by an intimate of Burton Burleigh's and byhim sold to a penny-dreadful publisher of Binghamton, who immediately issued them in pamphlet form togetherwith an outline of "the great plot" and Roberta's and Clyde's pictures.)And in the meantime, over in the reception or conference room of the jail, Alvin Belknap and Reuben Jephson,side by side with Clyde, neatly arrayed in the very suit he had sought to sink forever in the waters of LowerTwelfth Lake. And with a new tie and shirt and shoes added in order to present him in his Lycurgus best.
　　Jephson, long and lean and shabbily dressed as usual, but with all of that iron and power that so impressed Clydein every line of his figure and every movement or gesture of his body. Belknap--looking like an Albany beau-theone on whom was to fall the burden of the opening presentation of the case as well as the cross-examining,now saying: "Now you're not going to get frightened or show any evidence of nervousness at anything that maybe said or done at any time, are you, Clyde? We're to be with you, you know, all through the trial. You sit rightbetween us. And you're going to smile and look unconcerned or interested, just as you wish, but never fearful-butnot too bold or gay, you know, so that they'd feel that you're not taking this thing seriously. You understand-justa pleasant, gentlemanly, and sympathetic manner all the time. And not frightened. For that will be certain todo us and you great harm. Since you're innocent, you have no real reason to be frightened--although you're sorry,of course. You understand all that, I know, by now.""Yes, sir, I understand," replied Clyde. "I will do just as you say. Besides, I never struck her intentionally, andthat's the truth. So why should I be afraid?" And here he looked at Jephson, on whom, for psychic reasons, hedepended most. In fact the words he had just spoken were the very words which Jephson had so drilled into himduring the two months just past. And catching the look, Jephson now drew closer and fixing Clyde with hisgimlet and yet encouraging and sustaining blue eyes, began:
　　"You're not guilty! You're not guilty, Clyde, see? You understand that fully by now, and you must alwaysbelieve and remember that, because it's true. You didn't intend to strike her, do you hear? You swear to that. Youhave sworn it to me and Belknap here, and we believe you. Now, it doesn't make the least bit of difference thatbecause of the circumstances surrounding all this we are not going to be able to make the average jury see this orbelieve it just as you tell it. That's neither here nor there. I've told you that before. You know what the truth is-andso do we. BUT, in order to get justice for you, we've had to get up something else--a dummy or substitute forthe real fact, which is that you didn't strike her intentionally, but which we cannot hope to make them see withoutdisguising it in some way. You get that, don't you?""Yes, sir," replied Clyde, always over-awed and intrigued by this man.
　　"And for that reason, as I've so often told you, we've invented this other story about a change of heart. It's notquite true as to time, but it is true that you did experience a change of heart there in the boat. And that's ourjustification. But they'd never believe that under all of the peculiar circumstances, so we're merely going to movethat change of heart up a little, see? Make it before you ever went into that boat at all. And while we know it isn'ttrue that way, still neither is the charge that you intentionally struck her true, and they're not going to electrocuteyou for something that isn't true--not with my consent, at least." He looked into Clyde's eyes for a moment more,and then added: "It's this way, Clyde. It's like having to pay for potatoes, or for suits of clothes, with corn orbeans instead of money, when you have money to pay with but when, because of the crazy notions on the part ofsome one, they won't believe that the money you have is genuine. So you've got to use the potatoes or beans.
　　And beans is what we're going to give 'em. But the justification is that you're not guilty. You're not guilty.
　　You've sworn to me that you didn't intend to strike her there at the last, whatever you might have been provokedto do at first. And that's enough for me. You're not guilty."And here, firmly and convincingly, which was the illusion in regard to his own attitude which he was determinedto convey to Clyde, he laid hold of his coat lapels, and after looking fixedly into his somewhat strained and nownervous brown eyes, added: "And now, whenever you get to feeling weak or nervous, or if, when you go on thestand, you think Mason is getting the best of you, I want you to remember this--just say to yourself--'I'm notguilty! I'm not guilty! And they can't fairly convict me unless I really am.' And if that don't pull you together,look at me. I'll be right there. All you have to do, if you feel yourself rattled, is to look at me-- right into my eyes,just as I'm looking at you now--and then you'll know that I'm wanting you to brace up and do what I'm tellingyou to do now--swear to the things that we are asking you to swear to, however they may look like lies, andhowever you may feel about them. I'm not going to have you convicted for something you didn't do, just becauseyou can't be allowed to swear to what is the truth--not if I can help it. And now that's all."And here he slapped him genially and heartily on the back, while Clyde, strangely heartened, felt, for the timebeing at least, that certainly he could do as he was told, and would.
　　And then Jephson, taking out his watch and looking first at Belknap, then out of the nearest window throughwhich were to be seen the already assembled crowds--one about the courthouse steps; a second includingnewspapermen and women, newspaper photographers and artists, gathered closely before the jail walk, andeagerly waiting to "snap" Clyde or any one connected with this case--went calmly on with:
　　"Well, it's about time, I guess. Looks as though all Cataraqui would like to get inside. We're going to have quitean audience." And turning to Clyde once more, he added: "Now, you don't want to let those people disturb you,Clyde. They're nothing but a lot of country people come to town to see a show."And then the two of them, Belknap and Jephson, going out. And Kraut and Sissel coming in to take personalcharge of Clyde, while the two lawyers, passing amid whispers, crossed over to the court building in the squareof brown grass beyond.
　　And after them, and in less than five minutes, and preceded by Slack and Sissel and followed by Kraut andSwenk--yet protected on either side by two extra deputies in case there should be an outbreak or demonstrationof any kind--Clyde himself, attempting to look as jaunty and nonchalant as possible, yet because of the manyrough and strange faces about him--men in heavy raccoon coats and caps, and with thick whiskers, or in wornand faded and nondescript clothes such as characterized many of the farmers of this region, accompanied by theirwives and children, and all staring so strangely and curiously--he felt not a little nervous, as though at anymoment there might be a revolver shot, or some one might leap at him with a knife--the deputies with their handson their guns lending not a little to the reality of his mood. Yet only cries of: "Here he comes! Here he comes!""There he is!" "Would you believe that he could do a thing like that?"And then the cameras clicking and whirring and his two protectors shouldering closer and closer to him while heshrank down within himself mentally.
　　And then a flight of five brown stone steps leading up to an old courthouse door. And beyond that, an inner flightof steps to a large, long, brown, high-ceilinged chamber, in which, to the right and left, and in the rear facingeast, were tall, thin, round-topped windows, fitted with thin panes, admitting a flood of light. And at the westend, a raised platform, with a highly ornamental, dark brown carved bench upon it. And behind it, a portrait--andon either side, north and south, and at the rear, benches and benches in rows--each tier higher than the other, andall crowded with people, the space behind them packed with standing bodies, and all apparently, as he entered,leaning and craning and examining him with sharp keen eyes, while there went about a conversational buzz orbrrh. He could hear a general sssss--pppp--as he approached and passed through a gate to an open space beyondit, wherein, as he could see, were Belknap and Jephson at a table, and between them a vacant chair for him. Andhe could see and feel the eyes and faces on which he was not quite willing to look.
　　But directly before him, at another table in the same square, but more directly below the raised platform at thewest end, as he could see now, were Mason and several men whom he seemed to recollect--Earl Newcomb andBurton Burleigh and yet another man whom he had never seen before, all four turning and gazing at him as hecame.
　　And about this inner group, an outer circle of men and women writers and sketch artists.
　　And then, after a time, recalling Belknap's advice, he managed to straighten up and with an air of studied easeand courage--which was belied to a certain extent by his strained, pale face and somewhat hazy stare--look at thewriters and artists who were either studying or sketching him, and even to whisper: "Quite a full house, eh?" Butjust then, and before he could say anything more, a resounding whack, whack, from somewhere. And then avoice: "Order in the Court! His Honor, the Court! Everybody please rise!" And as suddenly the whispering andstirring audience growing completely silent. And then, through a door to the south of the dais, a large urbane andflorid and smooth-faced man, who in an ample black gown, walked swiftly to the large chair immediately behindthe desk, and after looking steadily upon all before him, but without appearing to see any one of them seatedhimself. Whereupon every one assembled in the courtroom sat down.
　　And then to the left, yet below the judge, at a smaller desk, a smaller and older individual standing and calling,"Oyez! Oyez! All persons having business before the honorable, the Supreme Court of the State of New York,County of Cataraqui, draw near and give attention. This court is now in session!"And after that this same individual again rising and beginning: "The State of New York against Clyde Griffiths."Then Mason, rising and standing before his table, at once announced: "The People are ready." WhereuponBelknap arose, and in a courtly and affable manner, stated: "The defendant is ready."Then the same clerk reached into a square box that was before him, and drawing forth a piece of paper, called"Simeon Dinsmore," whereupon a little, hunched and brown-suited man, with claw-like hands, and a ferret-likeface, immediately scuttled to the jury box and was seated. And once there he was approached by Mason, who, ina brisk manner--his flat-nosed face looking most aggressive and his strong voice reaching to the uttermostcorners of the court, began to inquire as to his age, his business, whether he was single or married, how manychildren he had, whether he believed or did not believe in capital punishment. The latter question as Clyde atonce noted seemed to stir in him something akin to resentment or suppressed emotion of some kind, for at onceand with emphasis, he answered: "I most certainly do--for some people"--a reply which caused Mason to smileslightly and Jephson to turn and look toward Belknap, who mumbled sarcastically: "And they talk about thepossibility of a fair trial here." But at the same time Mason feeling that this very honest, if all too convincedfarmer, was a little too emphatic in his beliefs, saying: "With the consent of the Court, the People will excuse thetalesman." And Belknap, after an inquiring glance from the Judge, nodding his agreement, at which theprospective juror was excused.
　　And the clerk, immediately drawing out of the box a second slip of paper, and then calling: "Dudley Sheerline!"Whereupon, a thin, tall man of between thirty-eight and forty, neatly dressed and somewhat meticulous andcautious in his manner, approached and took his place in the box. And Mason once more began to question himas he had the other.
　　In the meantime, Clyde, in spite of both Belknap's and Jephson's preliminary precautions, was already feelingstiff and chill and bloodless. For, decidedly, as he could feel, this audience was inimical. And amid this closelypressing throng, as he now thought, with an additional chill, there must be the father and mother, perhaps also thesisters and brothers, of Roberta, and all looking at him, and hoping with all their hearts, as the newspapers duringthe weeks past informed him, that he would be made to suffer for this.
　　And again, all those people of Lycurgus and Twelfth Lake, no one of whom had troubled to communicate with him in any way, assuming him to be absolutely guilty, of course--were any of those here? Jill or Gertrude orTracy Trumbull, for instance? Or Wynette Phant or her brother? She had been at that camp at Bear Lake the dayhe was arrested. His mind ran over all the social personages whom he had encountered during the last year andwho would now see him as he was--poor and commonplace and deserted, and on trial for such a crime as this.
　　And after all his bluffing about his rich connections here and in the west. For now, of course, they would believehim as terrible as his original plot, without knowing or caring about his side of the story--his moods and fears-thatpredicament that he was in with Roberta--his love for Sondra and all that she had meant to him. Theywouldn't understand that, and he was not going to be allowed to tell anything in regard to it, even if he were sominded.
　　And yet, because of the advice of Belknap and Jephson, he must sit up and smile, or at least look pleasant andmeet the gaze of every one boldly and directly. And in consequence, turning, and for the moment feelingabsolutely transfixed. For there--God, what a resemblance!--to the left of him on one of those wall benches, wasa woman or girl who appeared to be the living image of Roberta! It was that sister of hers--Emily--of whom shehad often spoken--but oh, what a shock! His heart almost stopped. It might even be Roberta! And transfixing himwith what ghostly, and yet real, and savage and accusing eyes! And next to her another girl, looking somethinglike her, too--and next to her that old man, Roberta's father--that wrinkled old man whom he had encounteredthat day he had called at his farm door for information, now looking at him almost savagely, a gray and wearylook that said so plainly: "You murderer! You murderer!" And beside him a mild and small and ill-lookingwoman of about fifty, veiled and very shrunken and sunken-eyed, who, at his glance dropped her own eyes andturned away, as if stricken with a great pain, not hate. Her mother--no doubt of it. Oh, what a situation was this!
　　How unthinkably miserable! His heart fluttered. His hands trembled.
　　So now to stay himself, he looked down, first at the hands of Belknap and Jephson on the table before him, sinceeach was toying with a pencil poised above the pad of paper before them, as they gazed at Mason and whoeverwas in the jury box before him--a foolish-looking fat man now. What a difference between Jephson's andBelknap's hands--the latter so short and soft and white, the former's so long and brown and knotty and bony. AndBelknap's pleasant and agreeable manner here in court--his voice--"I think I will ask the juror to step down"--asopposed to Mason's revolver-like "Excused!" or Jephson's slow and yet powerful, though whispered, "Better lethim go, Alvin. Nothing in him for us." And then all at once Jephson saying to him: "Sit up! Sit up! Look around!
　　Don't sag down like that. Look people in the eye. Smile naturally, Clyde, if you're going to smile at all, just look'em in the eye. They're not going to hurt you. They're just a lot of farmers out sightseeing."But Clyde, noting at once that several reporters and artists were studying and then sketching or writing of him,now flushed hotly and weakly, for he could feel their eager eyes and their eager words as clearly as he could heartheir scratching pens. And all for the papers--his blanching face and trembling hands--they would have thatdown--and his mother in Denver and everybody else there in Lycurgus would see and read--how he had lookedat the Aldens and they had looked at him and then he had looked away again. Still--still--he must get himselfbetter in hand--sit up once more and look about--or Jephson would be disgusted with him. And so once more hedid his best to crush down his fear, to raise his eyes and then turn slightly and look about.
　　But in doing so, there next to the wall, and to one side of that tall window, and just as he had feared, was TracyTrumbull, who evidently because of the law interest or his curiosity and what not--no pity or sympathy for him, surely--had come up for this day anyhow, and was looking, not at him for the moment, thank goodness, but atMason, who was asking the fat man some questions. And next to him Eddie Sells, with nearsighted eyesequipped with thick lenses of great distance-power, and looking in Clyde's direction, yet without seeing himapparently, for he gave no sign. Oh, how trying all this!
　　And five rows from them again, in another direction, Mr. and Mrs. Gilpin, whom Mason had found, of course.
　　And what would they testify to now? His calling on Roberta in her room there? And how secret it had all been?
　　That would be bad, of course. And of all people, Mr. and Mrs. George Newton! What were they going to putthem on the stand for? To tell about Roberta's life before she got to going with him, maybe? And that GraceMarr, whom he had seen often but met only once out there on Crum Lake, and whom Roberta had not liked anymore. What would she have to say? She could tell how he had met Roberta, of course, but what else? And then-but,no, it could not be--and yet--yet, it was, too--surely--that Orrin Short, of whom he had asked concerningGlenn. Gee!--he was going to tell about that now, maybe--no doubt of it. How people seemed to rememberthings--more than ever he would have dreamed they would have.
　　And again, this side of that third window from the front, but beyond that dreaded group of the Aldens, that verylarge and whiskered man who looked something like an old-time Quaker turned bandit--Heit was his name. Hehad met him at Three Mile Bay, and again on that day on which he had been taken up to Big Bittern against hiswill. Oh, yes, the coroner he was. And beside him, that innkeeper up there who had made him sign the registerthat day. And next to him the boathouse-keeper who had rented him the boat. And next to him, that tall, lankguide who had driven him and Roberta over from Gun Lodge, a brown and wiry and loutish man who seemed topierce him now with small, deep-set, animal-like eyes, and who most certainly was going to testify to all thedetails of that ride from Gun Lodge. Would his nervousness on that day, and his foolish qualms, be as clearlyremembered by him as they were now by himself. And if so, how would that affect his plea of a change of heart?
　　Would he not better talk all that over again with Jephson?
　　But this man Mason! How hard he was! How energetic! And how he must have worked to get all of these peoplehere to testify against him! And now here he was, exclaiming as he chanced to look at him, and as he had in atleast the last dozen cases (yet with no perceptible result in so far as the jury box was concerned), "Acceptable tothe People!" But, invariably, whenever he had done so, Jephson had merely turned slightly, but without looking,and had said: "Nothing in him for us, Alvin. As set as a bone." And then Belknap, courteous and bland, hadchallenged for cause and usually succeeded in having his challenge sustained.
　　But then at last, and oh, how agreeably, the clerk of the court announcing in a clear, thin, rasping and aged voice,a recess until two P. M. And Jephson smilingly turning to Clyde with: "Well, Clyde, that's the first round--not sovery much to it, do you think? And not very hard either, is it? Better go over there and get a good meal, though.
　　It'll be just as long and dull this afternoon."And in the meantime, Kraut and Sissel, together with the extra deputies, pushing close and surrounding him. Andthen the crowding and swarming and exclaiming: "There he is! There he is! Here he comes! Here! Here!" And alarge and meaty female pushing as close as possible and staring directly into his face, exclaiming as she did so:
　　"Let me see him! I just want to get a good look at you, young man. I have two daughters of my own." Butwithout one of all those of Lycurgus or Twelfth Lake whom he had recognized in the public benches, comingnear him. And no glimpse of Sondra anywhere, of course. For as both Belknap and Jephson had repeatedly assured him, she would not appear. Her name was not even to be mentioned, if possible. The Griffiths, as well asthe Finchleys, were opposed.
第十九章
十月十五日——阴云笼罩,一阵几乎有如正月里的厉风,将落叶卷成一堆一堆的,随后突然狂风骤起,又把落叶刮得象飞鸟一样到处飘散.纵然许多人都预感到挣扎和悲剧的意味,而且在内心深处隐现出一张电椅的阴影,可是不知怎的,却又充满了度假或过节的气氛:有好几百的农民、林区居民、商铺掌柜,开了"福特"牌、"别克"牌汽车赶来,他们里头有农民夫妇、有子女,甚至还有抱在怀里的婴儿.在法院开庭前,他们早就在广场上闲荡,或是在快要开庭的时候,都麇集在本县监狱大门口,希望能看上一眼克莱德,要不然守在离监狱最近的法庭大门前,因为不管观众也好,克莱德也好,都得从这道门进入法庭.他们在这里既能看见犯人,到时候又准能进入法庭.这幢古老的法院大楼,屋顶上和顶楼的上楣与檐沿,正有一群鸽子怪惊慌地飞来飞去.
梅森跟他的部下——伯顿·伯利、厄尔·纽科姆、泽拉·桑德斯,还有一个刚毕业的、名叫马尼高尔特的年轻的布里奇伯格法官——他们正帮助他安排出庭作证的先后次序,同时开导诱发各位见证人和候召陪审员.这些人早已集合在现时几乎全国闻名的这位人民检察官的接待室里.外面传来一阵阵叫喊声:"花生米!""爆玉米花!""热狗!""克莱德·格里菲思的小传,连同罗伯达·奥尔登小姐的全部情书.只要二十五美分!"(这是罗伯达书信的翻印本.由伯顿·伯利的一个密友从梅森的办公室里偷出来,卖给宾厄姆顿一家专售廉价惊险小说的书商.这个书商马上用小册子的形式出版,还附有"大阴谋"的提要,以及罗伯达和克莱德的照片.)
这时,阿尔文·贝尔纳普、鲁本·杰夫森,和克莱德正在监狱那间会客室或是会议室里.克莱德衣着整洁,身上穿的正是他竭力想把它永远沉入第十二号湖底的那一套衣服.另外加上新领带、新衬衫、新皮鞋,为的是让他在出庭时仍然如同他在莱柯格斯时最讲究穿戴那种派头.杰夫森是瘦高个儿,穿着照例寒伧得很,可他身上每一种线条、每一个动作或姿势,都富有那么一股子钢铁般的巨大力量,常常使克莱德深深地感动.贝尔纳普——看起来活象来自奥尔巴尼的花花公子——开庭时陈述本案案情以及后来反复讯问见证人,这一重任就落在他肩上.这时,他正在说:"克莱德,现在,你得注意,不管开庭时人们可能会说些什么,或是做些什么,你可千万不能害怕,或是露出紧张不安的神色,明白吧?你要知道,审讯时,我们自始至终同你在一起.你就坐在我们两人当中.你不妨可以随便笑笑也好,显得满不在乎也好,或是觉得很感兴趣也好,可是,千万不要露出害怕的样子——不过,也千万别太放肆,或是太乐呵呵,你要知道,不然,人们会觉得你把这件事看得太不严肃了.你得记住——你的举止谈吐,自始至终就得摆出一副令人可亲、令人同情的绅士气派.而且一点儿都不害怕.因为,一害怕,就肯定对我们和你都极为不利.既然你是无辜的,那你也就没有什么理由害怕的——尽管你心里是很难过的,那是当然罗.我相信,事到如今,这一切你自己全都明白."
"是的,先生,我明白了,"克莱德回答说."我一定照您所关照的去做.再说,我从来也没有故意去砸她,那是千真万确的事实.因此,我干吗要害怕呢?"说到这儿,他瞅了一眼杰夫森.纯粹出于心理上因素,他对杰夫森是最最信赖不过了.事实上,杰夫森刚才所说的那些话,只不过是重复了过去两个月里他一个劲儿要他牢牢记住的话.杰夫森一见到他的眼色,身子就冲他靠拢过去,他的那双锥子般锐利,但又含有鼓励、支持的蓝眼睛直盯住克莱德,同时,他开始说道:
"你并没有犯罪!你并没有犯罪,克莱德,明白了吗?事到如今,你早已完全明白了,而且,对于这一点,你务必时时刻刻相信,时时刻刻记住,因为这是千真万确的.你没有故意去砸她,你听见了没有?这一点你自己起过誓了.你对我和贝尔纳普都起过誓,而我们也都相信你.现在的情况是这样,我们还不能让一般的陪审团明白这一点,或是相信正如你所讲的这一事实,不过,这可一点儿也不要紧.这可没有什么.这我早就跟你说过了.事实的真相,你明白——我们也明白.不过,为了你能得到公正的判决,我们不得不另外编些什么来着——编一套假话,也可以说来代替事实的真相,而事实的真相就是你并没有故意去砸她.不过,我们要是不把这一事实稍加伪装,就没有希望能让陪审团认识清楚.这个道理你懂了没有?"
"懂了,先生,"克莱德回答说.他对眼前这个人一向感到敬畏,言听计从.
"就是为了这个缘故,正如我一再通知你,我们对回心转意这一事将作出另一种说法.从时间上来说,这是相当不确切的,不过,你一到游船上就回心转意了,这倒是千真万确的.而我们进行辩护的根据,也就在这儿.不过,由于这一案件情况特别复杂,陪审团怎么也不会相信这一点的.因此,我们就只好把回心转意的时间稍微往前挪一下,明白吧?挪到你还没有上游船之前.我们知道,这可不是真实的,但是控告你故意砸过她,这也是不确实啊.为了一件不真实的事,休想把你送上电椅——至少不会得到我的同意."他又冲克莱德的眼睛瞅了一会儿,稍后找补着说:"是这样的,克莱德,明白吧.这好比是你拿了玉米和豆子去买土豆或是衣服,尽管你明明可以拿钱来买,但因为某些人有些莫名其妙的想法,不相信你的钱地地道道是真的.这样,你就不得不动用土豆或豆子来了.而我们打算给他们的就是豆子.不过,我们辩护的理由就是说:你是无罪的.你是无罪的.你对我发誓时说过,到了最后关键时刻,你并没有故意去砸她,不管你当初走投无路时可能有过哪些意图.我觉得,单凭这一点也就够了.你就是无罪的."
杰夫森本人觉得自己说的这些只是假象,但他还是一个劲儿把这些假象强加给克莱德.因此,说到这儿,他就抓住克莱德外套的衣襟.盯住他的那双有点紧张、这时已慌了神的棕色眼睛,坚定而又令人信服地找补着说:"每当你觉得自己软弱无力,或是心慌意乱的时候,或是当你走上证人席,觉得梅森已把你压倒了,那末,我就要你记住这么一句话——只要你自己跟自己这么说——'我是无罪的!我是无罪的!他们可不能随随便便定我的罪,因为事实上我并没有罪!'要是这还不能使你沉住气,那就干脆望望我得了.我就在你身边.你要是觉得心慌,就只要望望我——直盯住我的眼睛,正如我此刻望着你一样——那你就会明白,我是要你鼓起精神来,按我现在关照你的那样去做——哪些事情我们要你起誓,你就起誓,不管这些事情看起来象是谎言,也不管你心里对此持有哪些想法.我决不能让你为了没有做过的事被定罪,仅仅是因为你没有被允许对事实的真相发誓加以证实——只要我有辙,休想办到.得了,我要说的,就是这些."
说到这儿,他亲切地、高兴地拍了拍克莱德的后背.说来也很怪,克莱德一下子壮了胆,觉得:至少在这时,他当然能够,而且还一定会照他所说的去做的.
随后,杰夫森把他的表掏了出来,先是对贝尔纳普望了一眼,接着从最近那个窗口望过去,只见早已麇集在一起的群众——有的登上法院大楼的台阶,有的(包括男女记者、摄影记者、画家在内)密密匝匝地聚集在监狱通道前面,急不可待地等着"抢拍"克莱德,或是跟本案有关的某某人的镜头——杰夫森不慌不忙地继续说:
"嗯,我看时间差不多了.看来卡塔拉基县所有居民好象都想挤进法庭来.我们将拥有很大一批听众哩."接着,又转过脸去向克莱德找补着说:"嗯,你可不会让这些人把你吓慌吧,克莱德.他们全是乡巴佬,进城来看戏呗."
随后,贝尔纳普和杰夫森两人就出去了.克劳特和西塞尔进来看管克莱德.这两位辩护律师在观众的窃窃私语声中,横越烧焦过的草地广场,往那幢法院大楼走去.
过了不到五分钟的时间,紧跟在他们后面的,前有斯莱克和西塞尔,后有克劳特和斯温克——但在他们两旁另外增加了两名警卫,以防万一发生什么骚动或是示威——克莱德本人出来了.他尽量装得乐乐呵呵、若无其事的样子,但在他周围有这么多粗鲁的陌生面孔——蓄着络腮胡子的男人们,身穿沉甸甸的浣熊皮外套,头戴鸭舌帽,要不就是穿着这一带农民们常穿的褪了色、难以形容的破旧衣服,而且,他们全是携妻挈幼而来——所有的人都用古怪而又好奇的目光盯住他,他感到有点儿心慌,仿佛随时会有人可能冲他开一熗,或是有人会持刀向他砍来,而荷熗实弹的警卫,更加深了他的这种忧虑.他所听到的一些叫嚷声只有:"他来啦!他来啦!""这就是他!""瞧他模样儿,你会相信他是个杀人犯吗?"
接下来是照相机发出一片咔嚓咔嚓的响声,两边警卫与他肩并肩地靠拢得更紧了,他心里禁不住直打寒颤.
前面是有五个棕色石梯级的一段台阶,通往一幢古老的法院大楼门口.接着是楼内的一段台阶,通向一个宽敞、天花板很高、长长的大厅,四壁都漆成棕色.大厅左右两侧,以及厅后东头,都有高高、狭长、圆顶的窗子,镶嵌着薄薄的玻璃,一束束阳光从窗口透进来.大厅西头,有一座高高的讲坛,上面置放着一长溜装饰很精致、深褐色雕花法官座椅.在这后面,有一幅画像——而大厅北面和南面,以及大厅后面,则是一排排长凳子——一排比一排高,全挤满了人,连过道里也都站满了人.克莱德走进去时,人们身子全都往前俯冲,伸长脖子,一双双锋利的眼睛把他上下打量着,大厅里响起了一阵嗡嗡的谈话声.当他走近一道门,经过这道门,进入宽敞的大厅时,只听见一阵"嘶、嘶、嘶"、"泼、泼、泼"的声音,他在大厅里看见贝尔纳普和杰夫森坐在一张桌子后面,他们中间留着一把给他坐的空椅子.他还看见和感觉到四周围那么多陌生的眼睛和脸孔,但他却压根儿不愿对它们瞅上一眼.
不过,现在他看到了:就在他对面,同样方方正正的另一张桌子旁边,只是紧挨西头那个高高的讲坛底下,正是梅森和他好象还记得起的那一拨人——厄尔·纽科姆、伯顿·伯利,但是另一个人,过去他从来没有见过.他走过大厅时,这四个人全都回过头来,两眼直盯住他.
就在那一拨人周围,有一群男女记者和擅长速写的画家.
过了一会儿,克莱德回想起贝尔纳普的忠告,就竭力让自己身子挺直,佯装出一副泰然自若的神态(可他紧张苍白的脸和他茫然若失的眼色,多少暴露了他的真实心态)——他朝那些既在端详他、又在画速写的新闻记者和画家望了一眼,甚至还低声说:"大厅都挤满了人,嘿?"不料就在这时,他还来不及再嘀咕些什么,不知从哪儿传来了连着两下响亮的重击声.接着有一个声音说:"遵守法庭秩序!法官阁下驾到!请全体起立!"大厅里正在交头接耳、骚动不息的听众,一下子鸦雀无声了.只见讲坛南头那道门里,走出来一个身材高大、举止文雅、满面红光的人,身穿一套宽大的黑袍,快步走向桌子后头那张大椅子,先是抬眼扫视了一下他面前全体在场的人,但又好象对谁都没看似的,然后才就座.法庭大厅里每一个人,也都跟着落了座.
随后,在法官左侧讲坛底下一张小桌旁,有一个身材矮小、上了年纪的人站了起来,大声说道:"肃静!肃静!凡是有事前来卡搭拉基县纽约州最高法院听审者,靠近些,注意听着.现在开庭."
过了半晌,就是这个人又站了起来,宣布说:"纽约州向克莱德·格里菲思提起公诉."随后,梅森从自己桌后站了起来,连忙说道:"人民准备就绪."紧接着,贝尔纳普站了起来,彬彬有礼、和蔼可亲地说:"被告准备就绪."
随后,还是这位法庭录事伸手从他面前的方柜里,取出一张单子,大声喊道:"西米翁·丁斯莫尔."于是,一个身材矮小、穿着棕色衣服、两手象钳钩、脸如雪貂的驼子,应声走到陪审员席上就座.他刚落座,梅森就走了过去(他的那张塌鼻脸,今天好象特别咄咄逼人.他的大嗓门,哪怕是法庭大厅最远的角落里也听得见),兴致勃勃地开始盘问他的年龄、职业,结过婚没有,有多少个小孩,是否认为应该判处死刑.最后这个问题,克莱德一下子就注意到了,仿佛使他不是痛心疾首,就是将某种激动情绪硬压了下去似的.因为,此人马上用特别强调的口气回答说:"对于某些人来说,我当然认为应该判以……"这个回答使梅森微微一笑,杰夫森也扭过头来望望贝尔纳普.贝尔纳普正挖苦地咕哝着说:"人们还说这里可能会有公正审判哩."不过,梅森本人却觉得这个非常老实、只是自信心太强的农民表态时不免有些过头,便说:"如果法庭同意,人民准备请这位候补陪审员退席."贝尔纳普看到了法官询问的一瞥之后,点头表示赞同,那位候补陪审员也就退席了.
法庭录事随即从方柜里取出另一张小条子,直呼其名说:"达德利·希尔莱因!"马上有一个年龄在三十八至四十岁之间、穿得整整齐齐、举止有些拘谨小心的瘦高个儿走了过来,在陪审员席上就座.梅森又象刚才盘问头一个那样,开始向他提出一些问题.
尽管贝尔纳普和杰夫森事前都叮嘱过克莱德,不料到了这时,克莱德早已觉得手足僵直,浑身发冷,面无人色.因为,他清清楚楚地感觉到:整个大厅里公众对他都是嫉恶如仇的.而且,他想到:在这挤得水泄不通的人群中间,一定有罗伯达的父母,说不定还有罗伯达的弟弟妹妹,并且全都在抬眼望着他——正如他从过去几周各报上获悉——他们从心底里希望对他应该严惩不贷——他一想到这儿,不由得又直打寒颤.
此外,还有在莱柯格斯上流社会和第十二号湖畔他认识的所有那些人.他们里头决不会有人跟他通风报信的,他们当然罗,全都认定他是不折不扣地犯了罪的——他们这些人里头有哪几位也在场吗?比方说,杰尔,就是格特鲁德,或是特雷西·特朗布尔?或是威南特·范特,或是她的兄弟?他被捕那一天,她也在熊湖宿营地啊.他心里回想到一年来他在上流社会见过的所有这些俊男靓女.如今,他们看到他原来是个微不足道、被人唾弃的穷小子,为了这一骇人的罪行受审.而在过去,他净是大言不惭地说自己在这里和西部都有阔亲戚哩.现在,当然罗,他们都会认为他就象他开头策划阴谋时那样令人狰狞可怕.至于他现在所说的那套话——此刻他的心态、他的恐惧——为罗伯达而陷入窘境——他对桑德拉的爱情,以及她对他所意味着的一切,等等,他们全都不知道,不关心.这些——他们是理解不了的,而且,也不准他谈到这些事情,哪怕他是多么愿意谈一谈.
不过,他还是必须按照贝尔纳普和杰夫森的忠告,坐得笔直,脸上含着微笑,至少也要显得和蔼可亲,大胆地迎接每一个人向他投来的目光.于是,他让脸儿侧转过去,殊不知就在这一刹那,他完全怔呆了.因为,在那边——天哪,多么相象呀!——就在他左边靠墙的一排长凳子上,坐着一个女人或是姑娘,简直活灵活现,跟罗伯达一模一样!那是她的妹妹——艾米莉,罗伯达经常提到她的——可是,哦,真的叫他吓坏了!他的心儿几乎停止了跳动.也许这简直就是罗伯达呀!瞧她的那双多么象幽灵似的但又是活生生的、充满怨愤和控诉的眼睛,正直勾勾地盯住了他!在她身旁,还有另一个姑娘,看起来也有点儿象她.站在她旁边的,是一位老人,罗伯达的父亲,这满脸皱纹的老人,正是那天克莱德到他农场门口问路时碰见过的,此刻几乎是怒冲冲地直瞅着他.他老人家那种忧郁、疲倦的眼色,仿佛在说:"你这个杀人犯!你这个杀人犯!"在他身旁是一个温柔、矮小、患病的女人,年龄约莫五十岁左右,蒙着一块面纱,满脸皱皮疙瘩,眼窝深深地下陷.她一看见克莱德的目光,两眼就耷拉下来,望着别处,好象内心受到极大的痛苦,可并不是憎恨.毫无疑问,这是——她的母亲.啊,好一个骇人的场面!简直无法想象的不幸呀!他的心儿在突突地狂跳.他的双手在瑟瑟发抖.
为了让自己保持镇静,他就目光朝下,直瞅着贝尔纳普和杰夫森搁在他面前桌上的手.他们两人都在摸弄眼前打开的小本本上的铅笔,两眼盯住梅森和依次进入他面前陪审员席上的人(这时正好是一个傻里傻气的大胖子).瞧杰夫森和贝尔纳普这两人的手,多不一样啊——贝尔纳普的手那么短,那么软,那么白,可是杰夫森的手,却是那么细长、黝黑,骨瘦嶙峋.贝尔纳普在法庭上的举止可谓令人怡然可亲——他说:"依我看,不妨请候补陪审员退席吧."可是梅森说话的声音,却象砰的一声熗响:"退席!"而杰夫森说话时却是慢条斯理的,调门虽低,可还是那么有劲儿:"让他下去吧,阿尔文.此人对我们毫无用处."蓦然间,杰夫森冲克莱德说:"挺直腰板坐好!坐好!抬眼望望四周!别这么垂头耷脑.两眼注视众人的眼睛.你想要笑,就要笑得自然些,克莱德.两眼就是要注视众人的眼睛.他们不会伤害你的.他们只不过都是赶来这儿开开眼界的乡巴佬呗."
但是,克莱德马上注意到有好几个新闻记者和画家正在仔细端详着他,或是在画他的速写,或是在写他的特写,使他心里发慌,脸上热辣辣地涨红.要知道,他们那些尖锐透彻的目光和力透纸背的言词,他都能感觉到,如同他听到他们笔下的沙沙声一样清清楚楚.这些都是要在各报刊上发表的——他一下子脸色煞白,两手抖索——这一切他们都会写下来的——他在丹佛的母亲,以及在莱柯格斯的每一个人,都会读到和看到——他两眼是怎样望着奥尔登一家人,他们又是怎样望着他的,后来,他两眼只好又望着别处.可是——可是——他心里还得保持更加镇静——他还得挺直腰板,抬眼望望四周——要不然杰夫森会瞧不起他.于是,他还得尽量克服内心的恐惧,把目光抬起来,让脸儿稍微偏过来,环顾四周.
但是,就在他举目四望时,克莱德在那高高的窗根边靠墙的地方,发现了特雷西·特朗布尔——此人正是克莱德最最害怕见到的.显然,特雷西由于攻读法律,对此案颇感兴趣,或是纯粹出于好奇心,或是说不上所以然来——当然罗,决不是出于怜悯他或是同情他——反正今天也赶来了.谢天谢地,这时他并不在看克莱德,而是瞅着正在讯问大胖子的梅森.在特雷西身旁的,是埃迪·塞尔斯,一双近视眼戴着一副厚厚的深度眼镜,正朝克莱德这一边看,但好象并不是在看他,因为他根本没有露出什么特别的表情来.啊,这一切让他多难受!
另一头离开他们五排座位的地方——是吉尔平夫妇,当然是梅森找来的.现在他们打算作证些什么呢?是证明克莱德到过罗伯达房间去吗?这一点过去一直瞒得多牢啊!这当然是很见不得人的!还有,乔治·牛顿夫妇竟然也到了!干吗偏要把他们请上候补陪审员席?也许要扯一扯罗伯达在遇见克莱德以前是怎么打发日子的吧?还有,那个格雷斯·玛尔也来了——过去克莱德时常碰到她,但实际上只有一次在克拉姆湖上跟她说过话,那时罗伯达已经不喜欢她了.她还要扯些什么呢?当然罗,她可以扯扯他怎样跟罗伯达认识的,但除此以外,还有什么好扯的呢?啊,还有——可是,不,这是不可能的——可是——可是,这倒也是——千真万确的——那当然啊——还有那个奥特·肖林,就是克莱德向他打听过格伦医生呀.唉!也许他要扯到这件事了!——那是毫无疑问的.怎么人家好象把事情全都记得的——远不是他过去所想象的那样呀.
从前头数过去第三个窗根边,离开令人敬畏的奥尔登一家人再远些,还有那个满脸络腮胡子的大汉,看起来好象是昔日教友会信徒,后来却落草为盗——此人的名字叫海特.克莱德在三英里湾碰见过他,后来被迫被人带到大比腾去的那天,克莱德又见过他一次.啊,是的,他就是验尸官.在他身旁的,是那天要克莱德在旅客登记簿上登记的那个旅社掌柜.紧挨着掌柜的,是那个租船给克莱德的船老板.在船老板身边的,则是从冈洛奇开车送他和罗伯达的那个身材瘦长的导游——一个皮肤黝黑、筋骨壮实、粗野无礼的小伙子.他的那一双象野兽般深陷的小眼睛,这时好象要把克莱德戳穿似的.此人当然会扯到那天从冈洛奇开往大比腾一路上所见所闻的一切.那天克莱德心慌意乱和傻头傻脑的神态,人家会不会象现在克莱德还记得那么一清二楚呢?要是记得的话,他那回心转意的说法将会受到怎样的影响呢?他是不是最好跟杰夫森再谈一谈呢?
可是梅森这个人啊!他是多么能干!多么难对付!他把以上这些人全都找来作证,指控克莱德,想必是费了老大的劲啊!而现在,克莱德间或看他一眼,只见他正如过去至少已有十多次(但因效果并不特别显著,所以陪审员的座位依然空缺)那样在大声嚷嚷,说:"人民认为可以接受!"不过,每当他这么大声嚷嚷的时候,杰夫森照例把脸儿稍微侧转过去,连一眼也不看他,说:"此人对我们毫无用处,阿尔文.顽固得象一根硬骨头."随后,彬彬有礼、态度和蔼的贝尔纳普便向陪审团提出异议,而且几乎总是获得成功的.
不料,到了最后——啊,该是松一口气啊——法庭那个录事用一种清亮、单薄、刺耳、衰老的嗓音宣布暂时退庭,下午两点钟再开庭.于是,杰夫森掉过头来,冲克莱德微微一笑,说:"嗯,克莱德,这是头一个回合——没有什么了不起,是吧?而且,也并不是那么可怕,可不是吗?现在不妨先回去,痛痛快快饱吃一顿,好吗.今天下午,时间还会拖得很长,够沉闷的."这时,克劳特、西塞尔,连同临时增派的警卫,都挤拢来围在他身边.接着,就是观众如堵,大喊大叫:"他在那儿!他在那儿!瞧他过来了!在这儿!在这儿!"还有一个肥乎乎的大体型的娘们,一个劲儿挤进来,两眼直瞪着他的脸,大声嚷道:"让我看看他呀!我就是要把你上上下下看个仔细,年轻小伙子.我自己也有两个闺女呀."不过,他从旁听席上认出来的那些莱柯格斯和第十二号湖上的熟人,谁都没有向他走拢来.当然罗,哪儿都见不到桑德拉的影子.因为,贝尔纳普和杰夫森一再向他保证过,她是不会出庭的.甚至连她的芳名,也尽可能不让提到.格里菲思一家人,还有芬奇利一家人,全都反对哩.
回复 引用 新鲜事
顶端
司凌。

ZxID：9742737

2429874鲜花 36鸡蛋

等级: 派派版主
配偶: 此微夜
原名：独爱穿越。
举报 只看该作者 87楼  发表于: 2013-10-25 0

Part 3 Chapter 20
And then five entire days consumed by Mason and Belknap in selecting a jury. But at last the twelve men whowere to try Clyde, sworn and seated. And such men--odd and grizzled, or tanned and wrinkled, farmers andcountry storekeepers, with here and there a Ford agent, a keeper of an inn at Tom Dixon's Lake, a salesman inHamburger's dry goods store at Bridgeburg, and a peripatetic insurance agent residing in Purday just north ofGrass Lake. And with but one exception, all married. And with but one exception, all religious, if not moral, andall convinced of Clyde's guilt before ever they sat down, but still because of their almost unanimous conceptionof themselves as fair and open-minded men, and because they were so interested to sit as jurors in this excitingcase, convinced that they could pass fairly and impartially on the facts presented to them.
　　And so, all rising and being sworn in.
　　And at once Mason rising and beginning: "Gentlemen of the jury."And Clyde, as well as Belknap and Jephson, now gazing at them and wondering what the impression of Mason'sopening charge was likely to be. For a more dynamic and electric prosecutor under these particularcircumstances was not to be found. This was his opportunity. Were not the eyes of all the citizens of the UnitedStates upon him? He believed so. It was as if some one had suddenly exclaimed: "Lights! Camera!""No doubt many of you have been wearied, as well as puzzled, at times during the past week," he began, "by theexceeding care with which the lawyers in this case have passed upon the panels from which you twelve menhave been chosen. It has been no light matter to find twelve men to whom all the marshaled facts in thisastonishing cause could be submitted and by them weighed with all the fairness and understanding which the lawcommands. For my part, the care which I have exercised, gentlemen, has been directed by but one motive--thatthe state shall have justice done. No malice, no pre-conceived notions of any kind. So late as July 9th last Ipersonally was not even aware of the existence of this defendant, nor of his victim, nor of the crime with whichhe is now charged. But, gentlemen, as shocked and unbelieving as I was at first upon hearing that a man of theage, training and connections of the defendant here could have placed himself in a position to be accused of suchan offense, step by step I was compelled to alter and then dismiss forever from my mind my original doubts andto conclude from the mass of evidence that was literally thrust upon me, that it was my duty to prosecute thisaction in behalf of the people.
　　"But, however that may be, let us proceed to the facts. There are two women in this action. One is dead. Theother" (and he now turned toward where Clyde sat, and here he pointed a finger in the direction of Belknap andJephson), "by agreement between the prosecution and the defense is to be nameless here, since no good cancome from inflicting unnecessary injury. In fact, the sole purpose which I now announce to you to be behindevery word and every fact as it will be presented by the prosecution is that exact justice, according to the laws ofthis state and the crime with which this defendant is charged, shall be done. EXACT JUSTICE, gentlemen, exact and fair. But if you do not act honestly and render a true verdict according to the evidence, the people of the stateof New York and the people of the county of Cataraqui will have a grievance and a serious one. For it is theywho are looking to you for a true accounting for your reasoning and your final decision in this case."And here Mason paused, and then turning dramatically toward Clyde, and with his right index finger pointingtoward him at times, continued: "The people of the state of New York CHARGE," (and he hung upon this oneword as though he desired to give it the value of rolling thunder), "that the crime of murder in the first degree hasbeen committed by the prisoner at the bar--Clyde Griffiths. They CHARGE that he willfully, and with maliceand cruelty and deception, murdered and then sought to conceal forever from the knowledge and the justice ofthe world, the body of Roberta Alden, the daughter of a farmer who has for years resided near the village ofBiltz, in Mimico County. They CHARGE" (and here Clyde, because of whispered advice from Jephson, wasleaning back as comfortably as possible and gazing as imperturbably as possible upon the face of Mason, whowas looking directly at him) "that this same Clyde Griffiths, before ever this crime was committed by him,plotted for weeks the plan and commission of it, and then, with malice aforethought and in cold blood, executedit.
　　"And in charging these things, the people of the State of New York expect to, and will, produce before yousubstantiations of every one of them. You will be given facts, and of these facts you, not I, are to be the solejudge."And here he paused once more, and shifting to a different physical position while the eager audience crowdedand leaned forward, hungry and thirsty for every word he should utter, he now lifted one arm and dramaticallypushing back his curly hair, resumed:
　　"Gentlemen, it will not take me long to picture, nor will you fail to perceive for yourselves as this case proceeds,the type of girl this was whose life was so cruelly blotted out beneath the waters of Big Bittern. All the twentyyears of her life" (and Mason knew well that she was twenty-three and two years older than Clyde) "no personwho ever knew her ever said one word in criticism of her character. And no evidence to that effect, I am positive,will be introduced in this trial. Somewhat over a year ago--on July 19-- she went to the city of Lycurgus, in orderthat by working with her own hands she might help her family." (And here the sobs of her parents and sisters andbrothers were heard throughout the courtroom.)"Gentlemen," went on Mason, and from this point carrying on the picture of Roberta's life from the time she firstleft home to join Grace Marr until, having met Clyde on Crum Lake and fallen out with her friend and patrons,the Newtons, because of him, she accepted his dictum that she live alone, amid strange people, concealing thesuspicious truth of this from her parents, and then finally succumbing to his wiles--the letters she had written himfrom Biltz detailing every single progressive step in this story. And from there, by the same meticulous process,he proceeded to Clyde--his interest in the affairs of Lycurgus society and the rich and beautiful Miss X, whobecause of a purely innocent and kindly, if infatuated, indication on her part that he might hope to aspire to herhand--had unwittingly evoked in him a passion which had been the cause of the sudden change in his attitude andemotions toward Roberta, resulting, as Mason insisted he would show, in the plot that had resulted in Roberta'sdeath.
　　"But who is the individual," he suddenly and most dramatically exclaimed at this point, "against whom I charge all these things? There he sits! Is he the son of wastrel parents--a product of the slums--one who had been deniedevery opportunity for a proper or honorable conception of the values and duties of a decent and respectable life?
　　Is he? On the contrary. His father is of the same strain that has given Lycurgus one of its largest and mostconstructive industries--the Griffiths Collar & Shirt Company. He was poor--yes--no doubt of that. But not moreso than Roberta Alden--and her character appears not to have been affected by her poverty. His parents in KansasCity, Denver, and before that Chicago and Grand Rapids, Michigan, appear to have been unordained ministers ofthe proselytizing and mission-conducting type-people who, from all I can gather, are really, sincerely religiousand right-principled in every sense. But this, their oldest son, and the one who might have been expected to bedeeply influenced by them, early turned from their world and took to a more garish life. He became a bell-boy ina celebrated Kansas City hotel, the Green- Davidson."And now he proceeded to explain that Clyde had ever been a rolling stone--one who, by reason of some quirk oftemperament, perhaps, preferred to wander here and there. Later, as he now explained, he had been given animportant position as head of a department in the well-known factory of his uncle at Lycurgus. And thengradually he was introduced into the circles in which his uncle and his children were familiar. And his salary wassuch that he could afford to keep a room in one of the better residences of the city, while the girl he had slainlived in a mean room in a back street.
　　"And yet," he continued, "how much has been made here of the alleged youth of this defendant?" (Here hepermitted himself a scornful smile.) "He has been called by his counsel and others in the newspapers a boy, overand over again. He is not a boy. He is a bearded man. He has had more social and educational advantages thanany one of you in the jury box. He has traveled. In hotels and clubs and the society with which he was sointimately connected in Lycurgus, he has been in contact with decent, respectable, and even able anddistinguished people. Why, as a matter of fact, at the time of his arrest two months ago, he was part of as smart asociety and summer resort group as this region boasts. Remember that! His mind is a mature, not, an immatureone. It is fully developed and balanced perfectly.
　　"Gentlemen, as the state will soon proceed to prove," he went on, "it was no more than four months after hisarrival in Lycurgus that this dead girl came to work for the defendant in the department of which he was thehead. And it was not more than two months after that before he had induced her to move from the respectableand religious home which she had chosen in Lycurgus, to one concerning which she knew nothing and theprincipal advantage of which, as he saw it, was that it offered secrecy and seclusion and freedom fromobservation for that vile purpose which already he entertained in regard to her.
　　"There was a rule of the Griffiths Company, as we will later show in this trial, which explains much--and thatwas that no superior officer or head of any department was permitted to have anything to do with any girlsworking under him, or for the factory, in or out of the factory. It was not conducive to either the morals or thehonor of those working for this great company, and they would not allow it. And shortly after coming there, thisman had been instructed as to that rule. But did that deter him? Did the so recent and favorable consideration ofhis uncle in any way deter him? Not in the least. Secrecy! Secrecy! From the very beginning! Seduction!
　　Seduction! The secret and intended and immoral and illegal and socially unwarranted and condemned use of herbody outside the regenerative and ennobling pale of matrimony!
　　"That was his purpose, gentlemen! But was it generally known by any one in Lycurgus or elsewhere that such a relationship as this existed between him and Roberta Alden? Not a soul! NOT A SOUL!, as far as I have beenable to ascertain, was ever so much as partially aware of this relationship until after this girl was dead. Not asoul! Think of that!
　　"Gentlemen of the jury," and here his voice took on an almost reverential tone, "Roberta Alden loved thisdefendant with all the strength of her soul. She loved him with that love which is the crowning mystery of thehuman brain and the human heart, that transcends in its strength and its weakness all fear of shame orpunishment from even the immortal throne above. She was a true and human and decent and kindly girl--apassionate and loving girl. And she loved as only a generous and trusting and self-sacrificing soul can love. Andloving so, in the end she gave to him all that any woman can give the man she loves.
　　"Friends, this thing has happened millions of times in this world of ours, and it will happen millions and millionsof times in the days to come. It is not new and it will never be old.
　　"But in January or February last, this girl, who is now dead in her grave, was compelled to come to thisdefendant, Clyde Griffiths, and tell him that she was about to become a mother. We shall prove to you that thenand later she begged him to go away with her and make her his wife.
　　"But did he? Would he? Oh, no! For by that time a change had come over the dreams and the affections of ClydeGriffiths. He had had time to discover that the name of Griffiths in Lycurgus was one that would open the doorsof Lycurgus exclusive circles--that the man who was no one in Kansas City or Chicago--was very much of aperson here, and that it would bring him in contact with girls of education and means, girls who moved far fromthe sphere to which Roberta Alden belonged. Not only that, but he had found one girl to whom, because of herbeauty, wealth, position, he had become enormously attached and beside her the little farm and factory girl in thepathetically shabby and secret room to which he had assigned her, looked poor indeed--good enough to betraybut not good enough to marry. And he would not." Here he paused, but only for a moment, then went on:
　　"But at no point have I been able to find the least modification or cessation of any of these social activities on hispart which so entranced him. On the contrary, from January to July fifth last, and after--yes, even after she wasfinally compelled to say to him that unless he could take her away and marry her, she would have to appeal to thesense of justice in the community in which they moved, and after she was cold and dead under the waters of BigBittern--dances, lawn fetes, automobile parties, dinners, gay trips to Twelfth Lake and Bear Lake, and without athought, seemingly, that her great moral and social need should modify his conduct in any way."And here he paused and gazed in the direction of Belknap and Jephson, who in turn, were not sufficientlydisturbed or concerned to do more than smile, first at him and then at each other, although Clyde, terrorized bythe force and the vehemence of it all, was chiefly concerned to note how much of exaggeration and unfairnesswas in all this.
　　But even as he was thinking so, Mason was continuing with: "But by this time, gentlemen, as I have indicated,Roberta Alden had become insistent that Griffiths make her his wife. And this he promised to do. Yet, as all theevidence here will show, he never intended to do anything of the kind. On the contrary, when her conditionbecame such that he could no longer endure her pleas or the danger which her presence in Lycurgusunquestionably spelled for him, he induced her to go home to her father's house, with the suggestion, apparently, that she prepare herself by making some necessary clothes, against the day when he would come for her andremove her to some distant city where they would not be known, yet where as his wife she could honorably bringtheir child into the world. And according to her letters to him, as I will show, that was to have been in threeweeks from the time she departed for her home in Biltz. But did he come for her as he had promised? No, henever did.
　　"Eventually, and solely because there was no other way out, he permitted her to come to him--on July sixth last-exactlytwo days before her death. But not before--but wait!--In the meantime, or from June fifth to July sixth,he allowed her to brood in that little, lonely farm-house on the outskirts of Biltz in Mimico County, with theneighbors coming in to watch and help her make some clothes, which even then she did not dare announce as herbridal trousseau. And she suspected and feared that this defendant would fail her. For daily, and sometimes twicedaily, she wrote him, telling him of her fears and asking him to assure her by letter or word in some form that hewould come and take her away.
　　"But did he even do that? Never by letter! NEVER! Oh, no, gentlemen, oh, no! On the contrary some telephonemessages--things that could not be so easily traced or understood. And these so few and brief that she herselfcomplained bitterly of his lack of interest and consideration for her at this time. So much so that at the end of fiveweeks, growing desperate, she wrote" (and here Mason picked from a collection of letters on the table behindhim a particular letter, and read): "'This is to tell you that unless I hear from you either by telephone or letterbefore noon Friday, I will come to Lycurgus and the world will know how you have treated me.' Those are thewords, gentlemen, that this poor girl was at last compelled to write.
　　"But did Clyde Griffiths want the world to know how he had treated her? Of course not! And there and thenbegan to form in his mind a plan by which he could escape exposure and seal Roberta Alden's lips forever. And,gentlemen, the state will prove that he did so close her mouth."At this point Mason produced a map of the Adirondacks which he had had made for the purpose, and on whichin red ink were traced the movements of Clyde up to and after her death--up to the time of his arrest at Big Bear.
　　Also, in doing this, he paused to tell the jury of Clyde's well-conceived plan of hiding his identity, the variousfalse registrations, the two hats. Here also he explained that on the train between Fonda and Utica, as againbetween Utica and Grass Lake, he had not ridden in the same car with Roberta. And then he announced:
　　"Don't forget, gentlemen, that although he had previously indicated to Roberta that this was to be their weddingjourney, he did not want anybody to know that he was with his prospective bride--no, not even after they hadreached Big Bittern. For he was seeking, not to marry but to find a wilderness in which to snuff out the life ofthis girl of whom he had tired. But did that prevent him, twenty-four and forty-eight hours before that time, fromholding her in his arms and repeating the promises he had no intention of keeping? Did it? I will show you theregisters of the two hotels in which they stayed, and where, because of their assumed approaching marriage, theyoccupied a single room together. Yet the only reason it was forty-eight instead of twenty-four hours was that hehad made a mistake in regard to the solitude of Grass Lake. Finding it brisk with life, the center of a summerreligious colony, he decided to leave and go to Big Bittern, which was more lonely. And so you have theastounding and bitter spectacle, gentlemen, of a supposedly innocent and highly misunderstood young mandragging this weary and heart-sick girl from place to place, in order to find a lake deserted enough in which todrown her. And with her but four months from motherhood!
　　"And then, having arrived at last at one lake lonely enough, putting her in a boat and taking her out from the innwhere he had again falsely registered as Mr. Clifford Golden and wife, to her death. The poor little thingimagined that she was going for a brief outing before that marriage of which he talked and which was to seal andsanctify it. To seal and sanctify it! To seal and sanctify, as closing waters seal and sanctify, but in no other way-noother way. And with him walking, whole and sly--as a wolf from its kill--to freedom, to marriage, to socialand material and affectionate bliss and superiority and ease, while she slept still and nameless in her waterygrave.
　　"But, oh, gentlemen, the ways of nature, or of God, and the Providence that shapes our ends, rough-hew themhow we may! It is man who proposes, but God--God--who disposes!
　　"The defendant is still wondering, I am sure, as to how I know that she thought she was still going to be marriedafter leaving the inn at Big Bittern. And I have no doubt that he still has some comforting thoughts to the effectthat I cannot really and truly know it. But how shrewd and deep must be that mind that would foresee andforestall all the accidents and chances of life. For, as he sits there now, secure in the faith that his counsel may beable to extract him safely from this" (and at this Clyde sat bolt upright, his hair tingling, and his hands concealedbeneath the table, trembling slightly), "he does not know that that girl, while in her room in the Grass Lake Inn,had written her mother a letter, which she had not had time to mail, and which was in the pocket of her coat leftbehind because of the heat of the day, and because she imagined she was coming back, of course. And which ishere now upon this table."At this Clyde's teeth fairly chattered. He shook as with a chill. To be sure, she had left her coat behind! AndBelknap and Jephson also sat up, wondering what this could be. How fatally, if at all, could it mar or makeimpossible the plan of defense which they had evolved? They could only wait and see.
　　"But in that letter," went on Mason, "she tells why she was up there--to be married, no less" (and at this pointJephson and Belknap, as well as Clyde, heaved an enormous sigh of relief--it was directly in the field of theirplan) "and within a day or two," continued Mason, thinking still that he was literally riddling Clyde with fear.
　　"But Griffiths, or Graham, of Albany, or Syracuse, or anywhere, knew better. He knew he was not coming back.
　　And he took all of his belongings with him in that boat. And all afternoon long, from noon until evening, hesearched for a spot on that lonely lake--a spot not easily observed from any point of the shore, as we will show.
　　And as evening fell, he found it. And walking south through the woods afterwards, with a new straw hat upon hishead, a clean, dry bag in his hand, he imagined himself to be secure. Clifford Golden was no more--Carl Grahamwas no more--drowned--at the bottom of Big Bittern, along with Roberta Alden. But Clyde Griffiths was aliveand free, and on his way to Twelfth Lake, to the society he so loved.
　　"Gentlemen, Clyde Griffiths killed Roberta Alden before he put her in that lake. He beat her on the head andface, and he believed no eye saw him. But, as her last death cry rang out over the water of Big Bittern, there wasa witness, and before the prosecution has closed its case, that witness will be here to tell you the story."Mason had no eye witness, but he could not resist this opportunity to throw so disrupting a thought into theopposition camp.
　　And decidedly, the result was all that he expected, and more. For Clyde, who up to this time and particularlysince the thunderbolt of the letter, had been seeking to face it all with an imperturbable look of patient innocence,now stiffened and then wilted. A witness! And here to testify! God! Then he, whoever he was, lurking on thelone shore of the lake, had seen the unintended blow, had heard her cries--had seen that he had not sought to aidher! Had seen him swim to shore and steal away--maybe had watched him in the woods as he changed hisclothes. God! His hands now gripped the sides of the chair, and his head went back with a jerk as if from apowerful blow, for that meant death--his sure execution. God! No hope now! His head dropped and he looked asthough he might lapse into a state of coma.
　　As to Belknap, Mason's revelation at first caused him to drop the pencil with which he was making notes, thennext to stare in a puzzled and dumbfounded way, since they had no evidence wherewith to forefend against sucha smash as this--But as instantly recalling how completely off his guard he must look, recovering. Could it bethat Clyde might have been lying to them, after all--that he had killed her intentionally, and before this unseenwitness? If so it might be necessary for them to withdraw from such a hopeless and unpopular case, after all.
　　As for Jephson, he was for the moment stunned and flattened. And through his stern and not easily shakablebrain raced such thoughts as--was there really a witness?--has Clyde lied?--then the die was cast, for had he notalready admitted to them that he had struck Roberta, and the witness must have seen that? And so the end of anyplea of a change of heart. Who would believe that, after such testimony as this?
　　But because of the sheer contentiousness and determination of his nature, he would not permit himself to becompletely baffled by this smashing announcement. Instead he turned, and after surveying the flustered and yetself-chastising Belknap and Clyde, commented: "I don't believe it. He's lying, I think, or bluffing. At any rate,we'll wait and see. It's a long time between now and our side of the story. Look at all those witnesses there. Andwe can cross-question them by the week, if we want to--until he's out of office. Plenty of time to do a lot ofthings--find out about this witness in the meantime. And besides, there's suicide, or there's the actual thing thathappened. We can let Clyde swear to what did happen--a cataleptic trance--no courage to do it. It's not likelyanybody can see that at five hundred feet." And he smiled grimly. At almost the same time he added, but not forClyde's ears: "We might be able to get him off with twenty years at the worst, don't you think?"
第二十章
挑选陪审团成员,梅森和贝尔纳普花了整整五天时间.不过,到最后,负责审问克莱德的那十二个人,终于宣誓开始履行他们的职责了.而且都是这么一些人:一些古里古怪、头发花白,或是肌肤晒黑、满脸皱纹的庄稼汉,和乡下杂货铺掌柜,他们里头还有一个推销福特汽车的经纪人、一个托姆·狄克逊湖上的旅店老板、一个汉堡绸布店在布里奇伯格的推销员,以及一个常驻在草湖以北珀丹、专跑码头的保险公司推销员.而且,他们除了一人以外,全都结过婚.再说,他们除了一人以外,即使不是很讲道德,至少也是全都笃信宗教.而且,他们在履职以前早就深信不疑:克莱德犯了杀人罪.但因为他们几乎一致认为自己为人正直,不偏不倚,又都乐于在这么一个轰动的案子中出任陪审员,所以,他们深信自己对提请他们注意的事实都能公正地作出处置.
于是,他们就全体起立,宣了誓.
梅森马上站了起来,开口说:"陪审团的先生们."
克莱德和贝尔纳普、杰夫森都是两眼直瞅着他们,暗自纳闷,真不知道梅森开头这一指控会给他们造成什么印象.因为,在这样特殊情况之下,恐怕怎么也找不到比他更有能耐、更富有魅力的检察官了.这对他来说是绝好机会了.整个美国公民的眼睛不是都在注视着他吗?他相信确是这样的.这好比某个导演突然大声喊道:"打开灯光!开拍!"
"毫无疑问,在过去这个星期里,你们很多人有时就弄得精疲力竭、困惑不解,"梅森开始说."因为,本案的各位律师对选出你们十二个人的那张陪审员名单持特别审慎的态度.要找出十二个人来,把这个骇人听闻的案子里所有搜集到的事实递交给他们,让他们根据法律所要求的公正立场和高明的见解来加以衡量,这可不是一件容易的事.就我来说,我之所以采取审慎的态度,先生们,只是出于一个动机:要伸张正义.无论恶意也好,还是任何事前偏见也好,都是绝对没有的.直到今年七月九日,我本人甚至还压根儿不知道有这么一个被告,也不知道有这么一位被害人,更不知道现在他被指控的罪行.可是,先生们,当我一开头听到,一个象被告这样的年龄,受过这样的教养,还有这样的亲友关系的人,竟然会被人指控犯下了这类性质的罪行,说真的,我不由得又是震惊,又是难于置信.可是,后来,我却不能不逐步改变了我的看法.随后,我不得不把我心里最初那些疑虑永远给打消了,并从我逐字逐句地看到的大量罪证中得出一个结论,那就是:我有责任代表人民提起公诉.
"但是,不管怎么样,还是让我们先从事实说起吧.本案牵涉到两个女人.一个女人已经死了.另一个女人,"(这时,他朝克莱德坐的地方转过身来,用手指着跟克莱德坐在一起的贝尔纳普和杰夫森那边)"由于征得原告及其律师和被告一方及其辩护律师同意,在这里就不提她的尊姓大名了.因为,让她受到不必要的伤害,是没有什么好处的.事实上,原告及其律师准备提出的每一句话、每一项事实,其唯一的目的,现在我向你们声明,就是:根据我们州里的法律以及被告受到指控的罪行,使真正的正义得到伸张.真正的正义,先生们,真正的,而且又是公正的.不过,要是你们并不是根据本案证据公正地办事,作出正确的判决,那末,纽约州的人民以及卡塔拉基县的人民将会呼冤喊屈,而且还是严重的呼冤喊屈.因为,正是他们寄厚望于你们,期待你们正确说明你们对本案的论证和最终判决."
说到这里,梅森顿住了一会儿,接着就引人注目地转过身来,冲着克莱德,不时用右手的食指指指戳戳说:"纽约州人民的控告,"(说话时他特别加重了这个字眼,仿佛让这个字眼儿如同雷霆万钧一般发出巨响)"这个囚犯——克莱德·格里菲思犯了杀人罪.人民控告克莱德蓄谋已久,并以恶毒、残忍、欺骗的手法,杀害了罗伯达·奥尔登,然后企图让世人永远不知道罗伯达·奥尔登的尸体下落,从而逍遥法外.这个罗伯达·奥尔登,是多年来住在米米科县比尔茨村的一个农民的女儿.人民控告,"(这时,听了杰夫森交头接耳的悄悄话,克莱德尽可能舒坦地靠在椅背上,泰然自若地望着那个两眼正盯住他的梅森的脸)"这个克莱德·格里菲思,甚至在他犯下这一罪行以前,就阴谋策划了好几个星期,然后按照事先拟定的恶毒而又残忍的方案付诸行动.
"纽约州的人民在告发这些事实时,将准备向你们递交每一件事实的证明.你们将了解到许许多多事实,这些事实唯一的审判人,将是你们,而不是我."
说到这里,他又顿住了一会儿,换了一下站立的姿势.急不可待的听众也都俯身向前簇拥着,如饥似渴地听着他所说的每一个字眼.这时,他举起一只手,富于戏剧性地把他鬈曲的头发往后一捋,继续说道:
"先生们,我并不需要很长时间就能说清楚——而你们在听审本案时,也不需要花多少时间都能了解到:惨死在大比腾湖底下的姑娘,究竟是哪一种人.她的整个一生总共只活了二十年,"(其实,梅森心里也很清楚她今年是二十三岁,比克莱德大两岁)"凡是认识她的人,谁都没有对她的人品说过一句坏话.而且,我可以肯定地说,在本法庭上也决不会有人对她提出什么不好的证据来.大约在一年前——七月十九日她来到莱柯格斯市,想靠她自己的双手来赡养她的家庭."(这时,整个法庭大厅都听得到罗伯达的父母、弟妹的啜泣声)"先生们,……"梅森接着详细介绍了罗伯达的一生:从她最初离开老家,跟格雷斯·玛尔住在一起,到后来,她在克拉姆湖上同克莱德相遇.由于他的缘故,她跟她的女友、还有自己的保护人牛顿夫妇都闹翻了,并且听从了克莱德要她一人单独住开的意见,就跟陌生人住在一起.梅森还讲到罗伯达怎么向她的父母隐瞒了这一令人怀疑的迁居真相,最后终于受了克莱德的骗——她从比尔茨写给他的那些信,把这件事的整个发展过程都说得很详细.这时,梅森又同样巨细不遗地讲到克莱德,和他一心向往莱柯格斯上流社会,以及对那个又有钱、又美丽的某某小姐发生了兴趣.由于这位小姐纯属天真和善良(虽说对他有些着了迷)的表示,便使他觉得自己可望高攀跟她结婚.因此,尽管这位小姐本无此意,却在他心中激起了一种情欲;而他对罗伯达的态度和感情之所以突然改变,原因也就在这里.其结果,(这事据梅森说,他一定会加以揭示)
就是谋害罗伯达致死.
"可是,"说到这里,他突然惹人注目地大声嚷道."我揭发了此人所有问题,那末,此人究竟是怎么样一个人呢?现在他就坐在你们面前!也许,他的父母都是窝囊废,他本人就是贫民窟里的产物吧?——这样的人对于一种正当、体面的生活该有哪些价值和责任,从来都不可能会有正确的认识.那他就是这样一个人吗?不,恰好相反.他的父亲,和莱柯格斯最著名的大型企业之一——格里菲思领子衬衫公司老板都是本家.他本人穷——是的——这是没有疑问的.不过,他并不比罗伯达更穷——可她后来穷并没有使她的人品受到什么影响.他的父母在堪萨斯城,在丹佛,而在这以前,还在芝加哥,在密执安州的大瀑布,看来都是充当虽然没有得到圣职但自愿传道、劝人信教的传教士.据我从各方面收集的情况来看,他们确实都是笃信宗教、循规蹈矩的正派人.可是眼前这个人,是他们的大儿子,本来他是应该以父母为榜样,深受鼓舞;哪知道他很早就抛弃了自己的亲人,去追求浮华的生活.后来,他到堪萨斯城一家有名的旅馆——格林－戴维逊大酒店当了一名侍应生."
随后,梅森进一步说明:克莱德从来就象是一块滚石——也许是由于脾气特别怪,他宁愿到处漂泊流浪.后来呢——梅森又继续介绍说,克莱德在他伯父有名的莱柯格斯工厂里担任要职,负责主管一个部门.然后,他就慢慢地进入了属于他伯父及其子女们的上流社会,他的薪水足以使他能在莱柯格斯市优美住宅区租下了一个房间,而被他杀害的那个姑娘,却住在穷街陋巷一个寒伧的房间里.
"可是直至今日,"梅森继续说道."为什么有人在大肆渲染,说什么这个被告年纪还很轻呢?"(说到这里,他不由得轻蔑地一笑)"他的辩护律师们以及其他一些人,在各报刊上一遍又一遍地都管被告叫小伢儿.可他并不是小伢儿呀.他是长了胡子的成年人.论社会地位和所受的教养,他呀比你们陪审员席上哪一位都要高出一筹.他哪儿都去过.在各大饭店、俱乐部,以及跟他有密切关系的莱柯格斯上流社会里,他一直跟体面、大方的,甚至杰出的知名人士应酬周旋.嘿,说实话,就在两个月以前他被捕的时候,他还是本地区引为骄傲的上流社会里时髦青年男女来此避暑的游客之一哩.要记住这一点!他的头脑是成熟了的,绝对不象是小伢儿那样还没有成熟.它是非常和谐,简直可以说,是完美无缺.
"先生们,正如本州马上就要加以证明那样,"梅森接下去说,"克莱德刚到莱柯格斯才四个月,这个已故的姑娘就进入了由他主管的那个部门,也就是说,在被告手下打工.而在这以后只不过两个月,他就骗她从她在莱柯格斯寄住的这个可敬而又虔信宗教的人家,搬到另一个对她来说完全陌生的住所,从被告的观点来看,迁入新居的最大好处,是他在这里可以行动秘密,又因地点隐蔽,不会被别人察觉,以达到他对这个姑娘早已有了的邪恶目的.
"格里菲思公司厂里有一个厂规——正如稍后我们会给你们加以详细说明那样,这个厂规可以说明许多问题——就是说:不论哪一个高级职员,或是主管哪一个部门的负责人,绝对不准跟他手下的女工,或是在本厂打工的其他女工,在厂内或是厂外有任何来往.这种来往对那个著名大公司里的女工们,不论是在道德上,或是在名誉上,都没有什么好处,所以是绝对不许可的.这个人刚到那里不久,厂方很快就把这个厂规告诉了他.可是,请问这个厂规管住了他没有?他伯父最近对他的关照有没有管住他呢?一丁点儿都没有.从一开头起就鬼鬼祟祟!鬼鬼祟祟!诱奸!诱奸!在庄严的、高尚的婚姻关系以外,秘密地、故意地、不道德地、不合法地、被社会所谴责和不容地同她私通!
"这就是他的目的所在,先生们!可是,他跟罗伯达·奥尔登之间有着这么一种关系,在莱柯格斯等地是不是人人都知道呢?没有一个人知道!据我了解,在这个姑娘惨死以前,甚至连有点儿知道这种关系的知情人,也是一个都没有!一个都没有!你们不妨想想看!
"陪审团的先生们,"说到这里,梅森的话里听得出有一种几乎令人肃然起敬的语调."罗伯达·奥尔登是真心实意地爱这个被告的.她对他倾心相爱,她给他的那种爱,乃是人类智慧和人类心灵中至高无上的奥秘,不管它坚强也好,还是软弱也好,它对羞耻——乃至于天罚——的恐惧,都可以置之度外.她是一位庄重、善良、真正富有人情味的姑娘——一个热情奔放的可爱姑娘.而且,只有宽宏大量、肯信赖人和自我牺牲的人,才能象她那样倾心相爱.而且,她就是那样爱他,因此,到了最后,如同任何一个女人能把一切都给予她心爱的男子一样,她也把一切献给了他.
"朋友们,在我们这个世界上,这种事情已经发生过千百万次,在将来还会发生亿万次.这可并不新鲜,但也永远不会过时.
"可是在一月份,要不然就在二月份,这位现已躺在坟墓里的姑娘,不得不来找这个被告克莱德·格里菲思,告诉他,她就要做孩子妈妈了.我们将要向你们证明:就在那时,以及在那以后,她都一直恳求他跟她一块走,娶她为妻.
"可他有没有这样做呢?他心里想不想这样做呢?嘿,都没有!因为,到了那个时候,克莱德·格里菲思的梦想和感情,都已发生变化了!他早已发现:有了格里菲思这个姓,就可以进入莱柯格斯上流社会;原是在堪萨斯城和芝加哥微不足道的人,到了这里却成了一个了不起的人物;而且,格里菲思这个姓,能使他结识一些有教养、有钱财的姑娘,她们生活的环境跟罗伯达·奥尔登相比,真有天壤之别.不仅这样,他还另找了一位姑娘,这位姑娘以自己的姿色、财富和社会地位,竟让他完全坠入情网,倘跟这位小姐一比,那个厂里打工的乡下小姑娘,住在由他安排的一个怪寒伧而又诡秘的房间里,当然显得很可怜——在他看来,私通很够味儿,但结婚是不够格的.何况他说什么也不愿跟她结婚."说到这里,他顿住了一会儿,但是马上就接下去说:
"不过,据我调查,并没有发现那时克莱德的生活发生过丝毫变化,他对曾使他如此神魂颠倒的上流社会活动的热情,始终有增无减.相反,从一月起到七月五日止,而且到了——是的,甚至到了最后,她已被逼得走投无路,只能对他说,如果他不把她接走,跟她结婚,那她就不得不请他们周围的公众主持公道了.哪知道甚至在这个姑娘尸骨冰冷、葬身在大比腾湖底以后——他还照样参加舞会、宴会、游园会、开了汽车出游,到第十二号湖和熊湖上寻欢作乐,好象一点儿也没有想到:奥尔登小姐的惨案已在道义上引起公众极大关注,他应该对自己的言行多少收敛一下."
说到这里,梅森顿住了一会儿,两眼盯着贝尔纳普和杰夫森那一边.殊不知他们两人并没有乱了方寸,大惊失色,相反,只是一个劲儿微笑:先是冲他笑笑,跟着彼此相视一笑,尽管这时克莱德早被梅森义愤填膺的这些有力发言吓懵了,可是他继而一想,梅森这些话里有些地方未免太夸张,太不公道了.
但就在克莱德这样暗自思忖时,梅森却又继续说道:"不过,那时,先生们,正如我刚才说过的,罗伯达·奥尔登态度变得非常坚决,定要格里菲思跟她结婚不可.而他呢也一口答应了.不料,正如你们从这儿所有的证据看到的,他从来就没有打算履行自己的诺言.相反,直到她有了身孕,她的一再恳求使他再也受不了.何况让她继续留在莱柯格斯,对他来说势必是一种危险,这时他就骗她先回娘家,显然还劝她置备一些必不可缺的衣服,说他到时候会上她家里去,把她接到一个比较偏远的城市,在那里,谁都不认得他们,她不妨以他妻子的身份光明正大地把孩子生下来.根据她写给他的那些信上所说(这些信我准备要出示的),他是应该在她动身去比尔茨老家后的三周以内去的.可他是不是履约上她老家去了呢?没有,他从来也没有去过.
"到最后,只是因为他一点儿辙也没有了,他才准许她来找他——那是在七月六日,正好是在她死前两天.但不是在那以前——这一件事,且慢,以后再说!——在这同时,也就是说从六月五日到七月六日,他就让她独自一人待在米米科县比尔茨郊区那座又小、又冷冷清清的农舍里,只有一些街坊邻居来看望她,帮她添置一些衣服.即使是在那时,她还不敢公开说这些衣服是她的嫁妆.她既怀疑、又深怕这个被告会把她抛弃.于是,她每天——有时隔一天——写信给他,把她心中的惧怕告诉他,要求他用写信,或则哪怕是传口信方式肯定一下,他真的会来把她接走.
"可是,连她这一点点要求,他是不是做到了呢?他从来没有写过一封信!从来没有!啊,从来没有,先生们,啊,从来没有呀!相反,他就只打过几次电话——这些电话是既不容易追查,也不容易让人听得很清楚的.而且,他的电话打得那么少,又是那么短,她不能不感到难过,埋怨他这时不关心体贴她.于是,到了第五周周末,她出于万般无奈,才写信对他说(说到这里,梅森从背后桌子上一堆信里头特意捡了一封,开始念道):'我写这封信通知你,要是我在星期五中午以前,没接到你的电话或是复信,那我当晚就去莱柯格斯,让大家知道你是怎样对待我的.'先生们,上面这些话,就是这位可怜的姑娘到了最后逼不得已才写的.
"可是,克莱德·格里菲思是不是乐意让大家都知道他是怎么样对待她的呢?当然不乐意!就在那个时候,他却想出了一个计划,让他既可以避免被揭发出来的危险,又可以把罗伯达·奥尔登的嘴永远给封住.先生们,本州将向你们证明:克莱德确实把她的嘴永远给封住了."
说到这里,梅森取出一幅他特地绘制的艾迪隆达克斯的地图,地图上的红线标明克莱德在罗伯达死亡之前以及死去以后的全部行踪——一直到他在大熊湖被捕的时候为止.梅森在作这样说明时,还向陪审团介绍了克莱德想得很周密的计划,比方说,他隐名埋姓,在旅店几次申报假名字,还有那两顶帽子,等等.接着,他还说明克莱德和罗伯达坐的火车,在方达和尤蒂卡之间的那段路上,以及在尤蒂卡和草湖之间的那段路上,他们并没有坐在同一节车厢里.随后,梅森郑重地说:"先生们,别忘了,他虽然事前跟罗伯达说,这是他们的结婚旅行,可是,他并不乐意让任何人知道他这是偕同他未来的新娘出门旅行——不,哪怕是在他们到达了大比腾以后,他还是不乐意让人知道.因为,他本来就无意跟她结婚,只是要寻摸到一个荒凉的地点,把他早已玩厌了的这个姑娘就地掐死.不过在那以前的一昼夜和两昼夜里,这个念头阻止他把她搂在自己怀里并一再念叨他那压根儿不想履行的诺言吗?阻止了没有?我这就把他们歇脚的两家旅店来往旅客登论薄拿出来给你们看看.他们一到这两家旅店,两人就同住在一个单间客房里,佯装反正马上要结婚.殊不知他们一住就是两昼夜,而不是一昼夜,唯一原因是他估计错了,草湖可不是那么触目荒凉.他发现草湖很热闹,原来是教友们在夏季聚会之地,便决定离开那里,到更荒凉的大比腾去.这个据说无辜而被人大大误解了的年轻人,就是这样拽住这个疲累不堪、伤心透顶的姑娘,从这儿转悠到了那儿,为了寻摸一处极端荒凉的湖上把她活活地淹死.先生们,你们看看,这是多么骇人听闻的惨象呀.而且这时,她再过四个月,就要做孩子妈妈了."接着,他们果真来到了一个四顾茫茫、满目荒凉的湖上.他把她从那家旅店里领出来,让她登上了一条小船,送她到死路上去.(他在旅店登记时再一次用了假名字,佯称为克利福德·戈尔登夫妇)那位可怜的小姑娘还满心以为:这是在举行他所谈及的婚礼以前先去作一次短暂的小游哩.婚礼将使这次小游得到确认和合法化.得到确认并合法化!殊不知使之得到确认和合法化的,正是没顶的湖水,而决不是别的——决不是别的.而且,他还安然无恙,而又狡猾地走开了——如一头凶狼从它咬死的猎物那儿走开了一样——走向自由,走向新婚,走向富裕的物质生活,爱情的幸福,以及优越、安逸的上流社会,而她却无声无息、无名无姓地永远葬身在湖底了."可是话又说回来,先生们,造物主的旨意,或者说是上帝的旨意,都是不可知的啊.尽管我们个人作出了种种努力,可到头来造物主总是视而不见,随心所欲地安排好了我们的命运!说真的,是谋事在人,成事在天——在天啊!
"当然,我知道,被告至今想必还在暗自纳闷,我怎么会知道她离开大比腾那家旅店时心里在想就要举行婚礼呢.毫无疑问,直到此刻,他一定还会聊以自慰,认为事实上我不可能真的知道这件事的.不过,要预见和预防生活中所有一切的意外和机遇,那就必须具有洞察秋毫的慧眼才行.因为,现在他正坐在这儿,万无一失地以为:他的辩护律师们总能帮助他安然摆脱这一窘境,"(克莱德一听到这些话,猛地腰板挺直,感到自己头发也在震颤了,连他藏在桌底下的双手都在微微抖索着)"可他并不知道,那个姑娘在草湖旅社房间里写过一封信给她的母亲,因为来不及寄出,就放在她外套口袋里.那件外套,一是因为那天天气热,二是因为她当然自以为要回来的,也就留在旅店里了.而这封信,此刻就在我这张桌子上."
克莱德一听到这里牙齿直打颤.他浑身上下,就象突然受寒那样发抖.是的,没错,她把自己那件外套留在旅社里的!贝尔纳普和杰夫森也大吃一惊,心里纳闷,真不知道这是怎样一封信.这封信要是终于破坏了他们周密策划的那套辩护方案(或是使它几乎垮台了),那可是致命伤啊!他们也只好拭目以待了.
"可是,在这封信里,"梅森接下去说."她说了她到那儿去是干什么的——正是去结婚的."(这时,杰夫森和贝尔纳普,以及克莱德,全都松了一大口气——这本是在他们意料之中)"而且是在一两天以内,"梅森一面继续说,一面暗自琢磨他刚才这些话可真的把克莱德吓坏了."可是格里菲思或是格雷厄姆,不管是来自奥尔巴尼,或是锡拉丘兹,还是来自别地的那个人,反正他心里最清楚.他知道自己是不会再回来的.他随身带着自己所有的东西上了船.从正午到傍晚,整整一个下午,他在这个满目荒凉的湖上寻找一个合适的地点——从岸上哪儿望去都不容易被人发现的地方——这一点我们会向你们证明的.到了傍黑时分,他才找到了这样的一个地点.随后,他就往南步行,穿过树林子,头上戴着一顶新草帽,手里拎着一只干干净净的手提箱,自以为是安全无虞了.克利福德·戈尔登早已不在人世了——卡尔·格雷厄姆早已不在人世了——全都给淹死了——在大比腾湖底,跟罗伯达·奥尔登在一起了.哪知道克莱德却是活着的,是自由的,而且正在启程前往第十二号湖畔,奔向他如此为之倾心喜爱的上流社会人群中去.
"先生们,克莱德·格里菲思是先把罗伯达·奥尔登杀害之后,才把她扔入湖中.他砸过她的头和脸,那时他相信没有人看见他.殊不知正当她在大比腾湖面上临终前发出最后呼喊声时,却有一个见证人在那里.在原告一方及其律师控告结束以前,这位见证人会到这儿来,向你们申述当时的情况."
梅森虽然不是在场目击这一罪行的见证人,可他禁不住利用这一机会,使对方阵脚大乱.
的确,效果如同他预料的完全一样,而且还有过之无不及.因为,直到现在为止,特别是在罗伯达那封信有如雷击似的使他深为震惊以后,克莱德竭力装出一点儿都不激动,只是无辜受辱的沉着神态,忍受着这一切,可在眼下却突然变得浑身冰凉,一下子蔫了.好一个见证人!而且要到这儿来作证!老天哪!这么说来,这个见证人,不管他是谁,躲藏在荒凉的湖岸上,看见克莱德那无意之中的一砸,听到过罗伯达的呼喊声——明明看到克莱德并没有设法去搭救她的!还看见他向湖岸边游过去,偷偷溜走——他在换衣服的时候,也许此人还在树林子里瞧着他哩.老天哪!克莱德两手紧紧抓住椅子边,他的头猛地往后一甩,仿佛受到猛击似的.因为这就意味着死——一定要把他处死不可.老天哪!现在再也没有希望了!他的头耷拉下来——看样子他好象马上就要昏厥过去似的.
梅森的这一席揭发,先是使贝尔纳普正在做笔记的那支铅笔从手里掉落了,接着怔呆了,茫然失措,两眼直瞪着,因为要击退如此猛烈的攻击,他们手里没有什么强有力的证据——不过,他一想到此刻一定让人见到自己大惊失色,就马上恢复镇静的神态.难道说到头来还是克莱德在对他们撒谎——分明是他故意杀害了她,而且就在这个没有被他发现的见证人面前?果真是这样,也许他们就得拒绝经办这么一个毫无希望、而又不得人心的案子.
至于杰夫森,他一开头也惊呆了,窘态毕露了.各种想法从他坚定而又不容易受震惊的脑袋里一一闪过,比如——难道说真的有一个见证人吗?——难道是克莱德撒了谎?——那末,事已定局,无可挽回了.因为,他不是向他们承认他砸过罗伯达了吗?想必这个见证人也一定看到了.这么一来,回心转意的说法也可以休矣.在这个见证人作证之后,有谁还会相信呢?
不过,杰夫森天性好斗,而又坚强不屈,他决不让自己被检察官这一篇毁灭性的发言彻底挫败.相反,他把脸侧转过去,瞅了一眼失魂落魄,但又自嗟自怨的贝尔纳普和克莱德之后,就大发议论说:"这个我可不信.依我看,他这是在撒谎,要不然,就是在吓唬人.不管怎么说,反正我们等着瞧吧.从现在算起,轮到我们这一边说话,时间还长着呢.看看所有这些见证人吧.我们要是高兴的话,不妨一星期、一星期地反诘问他们——直到他任期期满为止.有的是充分的时间,可以做很多很多的事——同时还要了解一下有关这个见证人的情况.再说,还有自杀的一说呢,或者说,实际上真的发生过这样的事.我们不妨让克莱德发誓,说一说当时实际情况:他象僵住症似的昏迷了过去,没有胆量下这一手.这事是远在五百英尺以外,大概谁都看不到吧."说罢,他还狞笑着.差不多就在同时,他又找补着说,但并不是要让克莱德听到:"我想,最坏的结局,也许我们还能给他捞到一个二十年徒刑,您认为怎么样?"
回复 引用 新鲜事
顶端
司凌。

ZxID：9742737

2429874鲜花 36鸡蛋

等级: 派派版主
配偶: 此微夜
原名：独爱穿越。
举报 只看该作者 88楼  发表于: 2013-10-25 0

Part 3 Chapter 21
And then witnesses, witnesses, witnesses--to the number of one hundred and twenty-seven. And their testimony,particularly that of the doctors, three guides, the woman who heard Roberta's last cry, all repeatedly objected toby Jephson and Belknap, for upon such weakness and demonstrable error as they could point out depended theplausibility of Clyde's daring defense. And all of this carrying the case well into November, and after Mason hadbeen overwhelmingly elected to the judgeship which he had so craved. And because of the very vigor and strifeof the trial, the general public from coast to coast taking more and more interest. And obviously, as the dayspassed and the newspaper writers at the trial saw it, Clyde was guilty. Yet he, because of the repeated commandsof Jephson, facing each witness who assailed him with calm and even daring.
　　"Your name?""Titus Alden.""You are the father of Roberta Alden?""Yes, sir.""Now, Mr. Alden, just tell the jury how and under what circumstances it was that your daughter Robertahappened to go to Lycurgus.""Objected to. Irrelevant, immaterial, incompetent," snapped Belknap.
　　"I'll connect it up," put in Mason, looking up at the judge, who ruled that Titus might answer subject to a motionto strike out his testimony if not "connected up.""She went there to get work," replied Titus.
　　"And why did she go there to get work?"Again objection, and the old man allowed to proceed after the legal formalities had again been complied with.
　　"Well, the farm we have over there near Biltz hasn't ever paid so very well, and it's been necessary for thechildren to help out and Bobbie being the oldest--""Move to strike out!" "Strike it out.""'Bobbie' was the pet name you gave your daughter Roberta, was it?""Objected to," etc., etc. "Exception.""Yes, sir. 'Bobbie' was what we sometimes called her around there-- just Bobbie."And Clyde listening intently and enduring without flinching the stern and accusing stare of this brooding Priamof the farm, wondering at the revelation of his former sweetheart's pet name. He had nicknamed her "Bert"; shehad never told him that at home she was called "Bobbie."And amid a fusillade of objections and arguments and rulings, Alden continuing, under the leading of Mason, torecite how she had decided to go to Lycurgus, after receipt of a letter from Grace Marr, and stop with Mr. andMrs. Newton. And after securing work with the Griffiths Company, how little the family had seen of her untilJune fifth last, when she had returned to the farm for a rest and in order to make some clothes.
　　"No announcement of any plans for marriage?""None."But she had written a number of long letters--to whom he did not know at the time. And she had been depressedand sick. Twice he had seen her crying, although he said nothing, knowing that she did not want to be noticed.
　　There had been a few telephone calls from Lycurgus, the last on July fourth or fifth, the day before she left, hewas quite sure.
　　"And what did she have with her when she left?""Her bag and her little trunk.""And would you recognize the bag that she carried, if you saw it?""Yes, sir.""Is this the bag?" (A deputy assistant district attorney carrying forward a bag and placing it on a small stand.)And Alden, after looking at it and wiping his eyes with the back of his hand, announcing: "Yes, sir."And then most dramatically, as Mason intended in connection with every point in this trial, a deputy assistantcarrying in a small trunk, and Titus Alden and his wife and daughters and sons all crying at the sight of it. Andafter being identified by him as Roberta's, the bag and then the trunk were opened in turn. And the dresses madeby Roberta, some underclothing, shoes, hats, the toilet set given her by Clyde, pictures of her mother and fatherand sister and brothers, an old family cookbook, some spoons and forks and knives and salt and pepper sets--allgiven her by her grandmother and treasured by her for her married life--held up and identified in turn.
　　All this over Belknap's objection, and on Mason's promise to "connect it up," which, however, he was unable todo, and the evidence was accordingly ordered "struck out." But its pathetic significance by that time deeplyimpressed on the minds and hearts of the jurymen. And Belknap's criticism of Mason's tactics merely resulting inthat gentleman bellowing, in an infuriated manner: "Who's conducting this prosecution, anyhow?" To whichBelknap replied: "The Republican candidate for county judge in this county, I believe!"--thus evoking a wave oflaughter which caused Mason to fairly shout: "Your Honor, I protest! This is an unethical and illegal attempt toinject into this case a political issue which has nothing to do with it. It is slyly and maliciously intended toconvey to this jury that because I am the Republican nominee for judge of the county, it is impossible for me toproperly and fairly conduct the prosecution of this case. And I now demand an apology, and will have it before Iproceed one step further in this case."Whereupon Justice Oberwaltzer, feeling that a very serious breach of court etiquette had occurred, proceeded tosummon Belknap and Mason before him, and after listening to placid and polite interpretations of what wasmeant, and what was not meant, finally ordered, on pain of contempt, that neither of them again refer to thepolitical situation in any way.
　　Nevertheless, Belknap and Jephson congratulating themselves that in this fashion their mood in regard toMason's candidacy and his use of this case to further it had effectively gotten before the jury and the court.
　　But more and more witnesses!
　　Grace Marr now taking the stand, and in a glib and voluble outpouring describing how and where she had firstmet Roberta--how pure and clean and religious a girl she was, but how after meeting Clyde on Crum Lake agreat change had come over her. She was more secretive and evasive and given to furnishing all sorts of falseexcuses for new and strange adventures--as, for instance, going out nights and staying late, and claiming to beplaces over Saturday and Sunday where she wasn't--until finally, because of criticism which she, Grace Marr,had ventured to make, she had suddenly left, without giving any address. But there was a man, and that man wasClyde Griffiths. For having followed Roberta to her room one evening in September or October of the yearbefore, she had observed her and Clyde in the distance, near the Gilpin home. They were standing under sometrees and he had his arm around her.
　　And thereafter Belknap, at Jephson's suggestion, taking her and by the slyest type of questioning, trying todiscover whether, before coming to Lycurgus, Roberta was as religious and conventional as Miss Marr wouldhave it. But Miss Marr, faded and irritable, insisting that up to the day of her meeting with Clyde on Crum Lake,Roberta had been the soul of truth and purity, in so far as she knew.
　　And next the Newtons swearing to much the same thing.
　　And then the Gilpins, wife and husband and daughters, each swearing to what she or he alone saw or heard. Mrs.
　　Gilpin as to the approximate day of Roberta's moving into her home with one small trunk and bag--the identicaltrunk and bag identified by Titus. And thereafter seeming to live very much alone until finally she, feeling sorryfor her, had suggested one type of contact and another, but Roberta invariably refusing. But later, along in lateNovember, although she had never had the heart to say anything about it to her because of her sweetness andgeneral sobriety, she and her two daughters had become aware of the fact that occasionally, after eleven o'clock,it had seemed as though Roberta must be entertaining some one in her room, but just whom she could not say.
　　And again at this point, on cross-examination, Belknap trying to extract any admissions or impressions whichwould tend to make it look as though Roberta was a little less reserved and puritanical than all the witnesses hadthus far painted her, but failing. Mrs. Gilpin, as well as her husband, was plainly fond of her and only underpressure from Mason and later Belknap testified to Clyde's late visits.
　　And then the elder daughter, Stella, testifying that during the latter part of October or the first of November,shortly after Roberta had taken the room, she had passed her and a man, whom she was now able to identify asClyde, standing less than a hundred feet from the house, and noticing that they were evidently quarreling she hadpaused to listen. She was not able to distinguish every word of the conversation, but upon leading questions fromMason was able to recall that Roberta had protested that she could not let him come into her room--"it would notlook right." And he had finally turned upon his heel, leaving Roberta standing with outstretched arms as ifimploring him to return.
　　And throughout all this Clyde staring in amazement, for he had in those days--in fact throughout his entirecontact with Roberta--imagined himself unobserved. And decidedly this confirmed much of what Mason hadcharged in his opening address--that he had willfully and with full knowledge of the nature of the offense,persuaded Roberta to do what plainly she had not wanted to do--a form of testimony that was likely to prejudicethe judge as well as the jury and all these conventional people of this rural county. And Belknap, realizing this, trying to confuse this Stella in her identification of Clyde. But only succeeding in eliciting information that sometime in November or the early part of December, shortly after the above incident, she had seen Clyde arrive, abox of some kind under his arm, and knock at Roberta's door and enter, and was then positive that he was thesame young man she had seen that moonlight night quarreling with Roberta.
　　And next, Whiggam, and after him Liggett, testifying as to the dates of arrival of Clyde at the factory, as well asRoberta, and as to the rule regarding department heads and female help, and, in so far as they could see, theimpeccable surface conduct of both Clyde and Roberta, neither seeming to look at the other or at any one else forthat matter. (That was Liggett testifying.)And after them again, others. Mrs. Peyton to testify as to the character of his room and his social activities in sofar as she was able to observe them. Mrs. Alden to testify that at Christmas the year before Roberta hadconfessed to her that her superior at the factory--Clyde Griffiths, the nephew of the owner--was paying attentionto her, but that it had to be kept secret for the time being. Frank Harriet, Harley Baggott, Tracy Trumbull andEddie Sells to testify that during December last Clyde had been invited here and there and had attended varioussocial gatherings in Lycurgus. John Lambert, a druggist of Schenectady, testifying that some time in January hehad been applied to by a youth, who he now identified as the defendant, for some medicine which would bringabout a miscarriage. Orrin Short to testify that in late January Clyde had asked him if he knew of a doctor whocould aid a young married woman--according to Clyde's story, the wife of an employee of Griffiths &Company--who was too poor to afford a child, and whose husband, according to Clyde, had asked him for thisinformation. And next Dr. Glenn, testifying to Roberta's visit, having previously recalled her from picturespublished in the papers, but adding that professionally he had been unwilling to do anything for her.
　　And then C. B. Wilcox, a farmer neighbor of the Aldens, testifying to having been in the washroom back of thekitchen on or about June twenty-ninth or thirtieth, on which occasion Roberta having been called over the longdistance telephone from Lycurgus by a man who gave his name as Baker, he had heard her say to him: "But,Clyde, I can't wait that long. You know I can't. And I won't." And her voice had sounded excited and distressed.
　　Mr. Wilcox was positive as to the name Clyde.
　　And Ethel Wilcox, a daughter of this same C. B.--short and fat and with a lisp--who swore that on threepreceding occasions, having received long distance requests for Roberta, she had proceeded to get her. And eachtime the call was from Lycurgus from a man named Baker. Also, on one occasion, she had heard her refer to thecaller as Clyde. And once she had heard her say that "under no circumstances would she wait that long,"although what she meant by that she did not know.
　　And next Roger Beane, a rural free delivery letter-carrier, who testified that between June seventh or eighth toJuly fourth or fifth, he had received no less than fifteen letters from Roberta herself or the mail box at thecrossroads of the Alden farm, and that he was positive that most of the letters were addressed to Clyde Griffiths,care of General Delivery, Lycurgus.
　　And next Amos Showalter, general delivery clerk at Lycurgus, who swore that to the best of his recollection,from or between June seventh or eighth and July fourth or fifth, Clyde, whom he knew by name, had inquired forand received not less than fifteen or sixteen letters.
　　And after him, R. T. Biggen, an oil station manager of Lycurgus, who swore that on the morning of July sixth, atabout eight o'clock, having gone to Fielding Avenue, which was on the extreme west of the city, leading on thenorthern end to a "stop" on the Lycurgus and Fonda electric line, he had seen Clyde, dressed in a gray suit andwearing a straw hat and carrying a brown suit-case, to one side of which was strapped a yellow camera tripodand something else--an umbrella it might have been. And knowing in which direction Clyde lived, he hadwondered at his walking, when at Central Avenue, not so far from his home, he could have boarded the Fonda-Lycurgus car. And Belknap in his cross-examination inquiring of this witness how, being one hundred andseventy-five feet distant, he could swear that it was a tripod that he saw, and Biggens insisting that it was--it wasbright yellow and wood and had brass clops and three legs.
　　And then after him, John W. Troescher, station master at Fonda, who testified that on the morning of July sixthlast (he recalled it clearly because of certain other things which he listed), he had sold Roberta Alden a ticket toUtica. He recalled Miss Alden because of having noted her several times during the preceding winter. She lookedquite tired, almost sick, and carried a brown bag, something like the brown bag there and then exhibited to him.
　　Also he recalled the defendant, who also carried a bag. He did not see him notice or talk to the girl.
　　And next Quincy B. Dale, conductor of the particular train that ran from Fonda to Utica. He had noticed, andnow recalled, Clyde in one car toward the rear. He also noticed, and from photographs later published, hadrecalled Roberta.
　　She gave him a friendly smile and he had said that such a bag as she was carrying seemed rather heavy for herand that he would have one of the brakemen carry it out for her at Utica, for which she thanked him. He had seenher descend at Utica and disappear into the depot. He had not noticed Clyde there.
　　And then the identification of Roberta's trunk as having been left in the baggage room at the station at Utica for anumber of days. And after that the guest page of the Renfrew House, of Utica, for July sixth last, identified byJerry K. Kernocian, general manager of said hotel, which showed an entry--"Clifford Golden and wife." And thesame then and there compared by handwriting experts with two other registration pages from the Grass Lake andBig Bittern inns and sworn to as being identically the same handwriting. And these compared with the card inRoberta's suit-case, and all received in evidence and carefully examined by each juror in turn and by Belknap andJephson, who, however, had seen all but the card before. And once more a protest on the part of Belknap as tothe unwarranted and illegal and shameful withholding of evidence on the part of the district attorney. And a longand bitter wrangle as to that, serving, in fact, to bring to a close the tenth day of the trial.
第二十一章
接下来是证人、证人,还是证人——总共有一百二十七位之多.他们的证词,特别是那些医生、三个导游,还有听到罗伯达最后呼喊声的那个女人的证词,都是一再遭到杰夫森和贝尔纳普的反驳,因为,他们作为辩护律师如果能指出对方有哪些弱点与岔错,克莱德就能以此为根据大胆辩护,做出好象头头是道、振振有词的样子.于是,这个案子就一直拖到了十一月份,也就是在梅森以压倒的票数当选他梦寐以求的法官以后.本案由于审讯时气氛非常活跃,辩论又很激烈,引起了从东海岸到西海岸的公众越来越大的兴趣.日子一天天过去,据开庭时列席记者们的看法,事情越发清楚地表明:克莱德是犯了杀人罪.可是,被告本人听了杰夫森的一再嘱告,还是处之泰然,甚至大胆地面对每个向他进攻的证人.
"您叫什么名字?"
"泰特斯·奥尔登."
"您是罗伯达·奥尔登的父亲?"
"是的,先生."
"现在,奥尔登先生,就请您给陪审团说一说,您的女儿罗伯达是怎样,而且又是在什么情况之下到莱柯格斯去的?""我反对.这与本案是不相干的,不重要的,不适当的,"贝尔纳普马上插话说.
"我会把它跟本案联系起来的,"梅森插嘴说,两眼直望着法官.法官裁定说,不妨让泰特斯继续回答,不过,要是联系不起来,可以要求把他的答话从他的证词中一笔勾掉.
"她是上那儿找工作去的,"秦特斯回答说.
"她干吗要上那儿找工作去?"
再次提出异议、再次履行法律程序之后,这个老人才获准继续发言.
"哦,我们在比尔茨附近的农场,进项从来就不怎么好,所以非得孩子们贴补我们不可,宝蓓是最大的一个——"
"请求一笔勾掉!""把这一段话勾掉!"
"'宝蓓'是您给您女儿罗伯达取的小名,是吧?"
"我反对,"如此等等."反对."
"是的,先生.'宝蓓'——我们家里常常这样叫她的——
就是叫她'宝蓓'."
克莱德正仔细听着,毫不畏怯地正视着这个农场里忧愁郁结的普利安①严厉谴责的眼色,同时还对刚才提到他昔日情人的小名暗自纳闷.他给过她一个爱称,叫做"伯特";可她从来没有告诉过他,家里人都管她叫"宝蓓".
①荷马史诗《伊利亚特》中受联军围攻的特洛伊王,因其子英雄赫克托殉难,陷入极度悲痛之中.
就在一阵阵连珠炮似的反对、辩论和裁定声中,奥尔登在梅森引导之下,继续谈到:罗伯达接到格雷斯·玛尔的信以后,如何决定去莱柯格斯,并寄住在牛顿夫妇家里.她在格里菲思公司找到了工作以后,家里人就很少见到她了.一直到六月五日,她回到农场来小憩,并给自己添置了几件衣服.
"她没有说过什么自己要出嫁吗?"
"什么都没有说过."
不过,她写过一些长信——当时他并不知道是写给谁的.还有,不知怎的她心里一直闷闷不乐,身体也很不好.有两次,他看见她在哭,但是他什么也没有说,因为他知道她不愿意让人看见她在哭.她从莱柯格斯打来过几次电话,最后一次是在七月四日或五日,是她动身的前一天——这他可记得一清二楚.
"她动身时带了哪些东西?"
"她的手提包和她的那只小箱子."
"现在要是把她带的那只手提包拿来给您看,您还认得出吗?"
"认得出,先生."
"是不是这只手提包?"(地方检察官梅森的一个助手拿来一只手提包,放在一张小方桌上)
奥尔登看了一眼,用手背擦擦眼睛,一本正经地说:"是的,先生."
接下来——由于梅森对这次审理的整个进程都着意安排得富有强烈的戏剧效果——一个助手送上来一只小箱子——泰特斯·奥尔登和他的妻子、儿女们一见到它,全都号啕大哭.在泰特斯确认它是罗伯达的遗物以后,那只手提包和那只小箱子就先后被打开了.罗伯达添置的衣服、一些内衣内裤、鞋子、帽子、克莱德送给她的那套化妆用品、她父母、妹妹和哥哥弟弟的照片、一本旧的家庭烹调全书,还有一些匙、刀、叉,以及细盐瓶、胡椒粉瓶等等(全是她祖母给她的,她一直珍藏着,准备婚后用)——一件件都被高高举起,逐个确认清楚了.
这一切都是在贝尔纳普提出反对,梅森保证能"同本案联系起来"的情况下进行的.殊不知梅森怎么也联系不起来,因此,法庭明令将这些证据从开庭笔录中"通通勾掉"了.不过,这一场面所产生的凄怆效果,却深深地镌刻在陪审团成员的心里了.而且,贝尔纳普对梅森的这些策略的批评,结果只是引起了这位绅士大声怒吼:"我倒是很想知道,这儿到底是谁在主持公诉?"贝尔纳普当即回答说:"依我看,是本县法官的共和党候选人吧?"这一下子就引起哄堂大笑.梅森简直按捺不住,就大声嚷叫:"法官阁下,我抗议!这是一种既违背道德,而又违法的意图,想把跟本案与毫不相干的政治问题搀和在一起.它非常狡猾、恶毒,企图使陪审团认为:好象我,作为本县法官的共和党候选人,就不可能大公无私地对本案提起公诉.我现在要求对方赔礼道歉,而且要求马上赔礼道歉,不然我对本案就无法继续进行下去."
奥伯沃泽法官认为这是一起非常严重违背法庭礼仪的事件,便把贝尔纳普和梅森都召来,听了他们心平气和、彬彬有礼地解释了这句话的真正意思,最后裁定说:双方都不得以任何方式再含沙射影地提到政治局势,违者则以蔑视法庭论处.
虽然如此,贝尔纳普和杰夫森还是相互庆贺,认为:这么一来,他们对梅森的竞选及其利用本案以便达到个人擢升目的这一推论,已在法庭和陪审团面前奏效了.
可是,接下来还是听不完的证人作证!
现在,格雷斯·玛尔走上了证人席,滔滔不绝地说她是怎样以及在哪里头一次遇见罗伯达的——那时她是一个多么纯洁、清白、虔诚的姑娘.但是,打从她在克拉姆湖上结识克莱德以后,她又如何大大地变了样.她开始变得鬼鬼祟祟、躲躲闪闪,给新奇古怪的冒险编造各式各样子虚乌有的托词——不妨举例来说,她晚上常常出去,深夜才回来;她说是星期六、星期日到某某地方去,其实她压根儿没有去——到最后,由于她格雷斯·玛尔毫不客气地对她提出了批评,她突然一走了之,连个地址都没有留下.不过,说实话是有一个男人的,而这个男人就是克莱德·格里菲思.因为,在去年九、十月间,有一天傍晚,她尾随罗伯达到了她的住处,远远望见她跟克莱德在吉尔平家附近转悠.他们伫立在树底下,克莱德还紧紧搂住她哩.
随后,在杰夫森的提示下,贝尔纳普开始讯问格雷斯·玛尔,向她提出一些非常刁滑的问题,试图了解清楚:罗伯达到莱柯格斯以前是不是就象格雷斯·玛尔所说的那么虔诚、随俗.可是,面容憔悴而又气恼的格雷斯·玛尔小姐,却一个劲儿说,直到那天她在克拉姆湖上同克莱德邂逅时为止,就她所知,罗伯达一向是个诚实、纯洁的人.
接下来是牛顿夫妇也就此事宣誓作了证.
随后是吉尔平一家人.妻子、丈夫、女儿们,挨个儿对自己看到的,或是听到过的事宣誓作证.吉尔平太太讲到罗伯达迁居她家的大概日期,说她随身带着一只小箱子和一只手提包——就是跟泰特斯确认的小箱子、手提包一模一样.迁入以后,罗伯达好象感到非常孤单.她,吉尔平太太,觉得这个姑娘怪可怜的,后来就向她出过点子,好让她有机会出去应酬交际,但被罗伯达一概谢绝了.不过,后来,在十一月下旬(是的,她,吉尔平太太,从来不敢向这么一位可爱而又端庄的姑娘提问过这件事),她和她的两个女儿偶然发觉:在深夜十一点过后,罗伯达在她房间里还招待过什么人,至于此人到底是谁,吉尔平太太也就说不上来.在这节骨眼上,贝尔纳普又通过反复讯问,竭力想引出一些招认或是一些印象来,让人觉得好象罗伯达并不是正如所有见证人所说的那么一种无懈可击的清教徒——可他这一企图并没有成功.吉尔平太太和她的丈夫显然很喜欢罗伯达,只是在梅森和贝尔纳普先后的压力之下,他们作证时才说到了克莱德深夜来找她的事.
接下来是他们的大女儿斯特拉作证说,去年十月下旬,或是十一月上旬,罗伯达迁入后不久,有一回她(斯特拉)看到她和一个男人——现在,斯特拉才认出此人原来就是克莱德——站在离屋不到一百英尺的地方,好象他们还在吵嘴.于是,斯特拉就停下来侧耳谛听.并不是他们的每一句话她都能听清楚,但在梅森开导式讯问之下,她说,她记得罗伯达是一个劲儿不让克莱德进入自己房间:"这样让人看了不好."最后,他一转身就走了,罗伯达还站在那儿,伸出双臂,好象是在恳求他回来.
克莱德自始至终惊诧地瞪眼直瞅着.因为,在那些日子里——事实上就是他和罗伯达的全部交往中——他一直自以为没有被人发现过.而眼前这些证据,毫无疑问,证实了梅森一开头所陈述的许多罪状,那就是:他,克莱德,完全知道这事具有犯罪性质,却蓄意诱使罗伯达去做她明明不愿意做的事——这一类证词,很容易使法官、陪审团,以及以农民为主的这个县里所有因循守旧的人对他产生了反感.贝尔纳普了解到这一点,就想难倒斯特拉,让她觉得自己也给搞胡涂了,怎么她认出的那个人就是克莱德呢.可是,结果反而又捅出来一些新情况:十一月里或是十二月初,就在上面那件事以后不久,她看见克莱德来时胳膊底下掖着一只什么盒子,敲了一下罗伯达的房门便进去了.当时,她一眼认出,此人就是那次在月夜跟罗伯达吵过嘴的年轻人.
接下来依次是惠甘和利格特.他们先后对克莱德和罗伯达到厂工作的日期,以及有关主管各部门的负责人不得跟女工交往的厂规作证.在他们看来,克莱德和罗伯达表面上的举止言行都是无可非议的,好象他们谁都是目不斜视,或则是偷看过别的什么人(利格特作证时就是这样说的).
跟在他们之后,又是另外一些见证人.佩顿太太就她所知道的克莱德租住的那个房间的一些特点,以及他在上流社会的交际活动作了证.奥尔登太太作证时说,去年圣诞节罗伯达对她坦白地说过她厂里的顶头上司——克莱德·格里菲思,是厂主的侄儿——正在向她献殷勤,不过,这事暂时还得保守秘密.弗兰克·哈里特、哈利·巴戈特、特雷西·特朗布尔和埃迪·塞尔斯作证时都说,去年十二月间,克莱德经常应邀参加莱柯格斯上流社会的交际活动.谢内克塔迪的一家药房老板约翰·兰伯特作证时说,一月间,有个年轻人找上门来,求他给一点可以堕胎的药,现在他认出那个年轻人原来就是被告.奥林·肖特作证时说,一月底克莱德问过他是不是知道有哪个医生可以给一个少妇帮帮忙——克莱德说那是格里菲思公司里一个职工的妻子,实在太穷,连一个小孩都供养不起,据克莱德说,她的丈夫还就这事向他求教过.接下来是格伦医生作证,说罗伯达是来找过他的,他看了报上照片,这才想起那就是她,不过,他接着又说,他恪守医德,怎么也不愿意满足她的要求.
随后是奥尔登的乡邻威尔科克斯.他在作证时说,大约在六月二十九日或是三十日,他正在厨房后面洗衣间里,碰巧罗伯达过来接长途电话,那是一个自称贝克的男人从莱柯格斯打来的.威尔科克斯听见罗伯达对他说:"不过,克莱德,我可等不了这么久.你知道我可等不了.我怎么也不愿意等了."她说话时的语气,听起来很激动,很苦恼.威尔科克斯先生十拿九稳地说,"克莱德"这个名字,他可听得清清楚楚.
接着是威尔科克斯的那个说话大舌头、长得又矮又胖的女儿埃塞尔出来作证说,她一连三次接到过找罗伯达的长途电话,她都是赶快就去找罗伯达的.每次都是一个名叫贝克的男人从莱柯格斯打来的.有一回,她听见罗伯达管打电话来的那个人叫克莱德.还有一回,她听见罗伯达说,"不管怎么样,反正她等不了这么久."不过,罗伯达说这话到底是啥意思,当时埃塞尔并不了解.
接下来是乡下邮差罗杰·比恩.他在作证时说,从六月七、八日至七月四、五日为止,罗伯达亲自交给他的信,加上她投入奥尔登农场交岔路口那个邮筒里的信,总共不少于十五封.他一口咬定说,这些信十之八九都是写给克莱德·格里菲思的,留交莱柯格斯邮局待领.
随后是莱柯格斯邮局主管留交待领信件的职员阿莫斯·肖沃尔特.他在作证时说,就他记忆所及,从六月七、八日至七月四、五日为止,克莱德(这个人名字他是知道的)曾来问过自己有没有信,而且一共收到了不少于十五六封信.
挨在肖沃尔特以后,是莱柯格斯某加油站经理R．T．比根.他在作证时说,七月六日早上,大约八点钟光景,他到菲尔丁大街去.那是在该城西郊,自北可通往莱柯格斯——方达电车线路上的一个站头.当时,他看见克莱德身穿一套灰衣服,头戴一顶草帽,手提一只棕色提箱,提箱一侧拴上一副黄色照相机三脚架,还有别的什么东西——也许是一把伞.克莱德住地的方向他是知道的,因此暗自纳闷:他干吗老远安步当车,走到这个地方来.因为,在离他家不远的中央大道上,他就可以搭乘来往于方达—莱柯格斯之间的车.贝尔纳普在反复讯问这个见证人时,问对方既然远在一百七十五英尺之外,怎能宣誓作证说他看见的就是三脚架呢.可比根还是斩钉截铁地说是的,错不了——那是精光锃亮、镶上黄铜铰链的一副黄色木质三脚架.
比根说完以后,是方达火车站站长约翰·W·特罗埃斯彻.他在作证时说,七月六日早上(他记得清清楚楚,因为那天他办过一些事还记下来呢),他卖给罗伯达·奥尔登一张到尤蒂卡的车票.奥尔登小姐他还是记得的,因为,去年冬天他就见到过她好几次了.她显得非常疲乏,象是闹病似的,拎一只棕色手提箱,仿佛就是眼前出示给他看的那只棕色手提箱.就是这个被告,特罗埃斯彻也记起来了,说他手里也拎着一只手提箱.火车站站长倒是没有看到这个被告特别注意那个姑娘或是跟她讲过什么话.
接下来是从方达开往尤蒂卡的那次列车上的乘务长昆西·B·戴尔.现在他记起来了,当时他发现克莱德就坐在后面一节车厢里.同时,他也发现有罗伯达.后来看了报上的照片,他都记起来了.她对乘务长和蔼地一笑.他还说过,她随身携带的这只手提箱,对她来说似乎太沉了,到了尤蒂卡,他可以叫一个司闸员帮她提下去.为此,她还向乘务长道了谢.他看见奥尔登小姐在尤蒂卡下车,进了车站就不见了.可是克莱德他却没有注意到.
随后,留在尤蒂卡车站行李房已有好长日子的罗伯达那只箱子,终于也验明了.在这以后,尤蒂卡的伦弗鲁饭店总经理杰里·K·克尔诺肖恩,验明了本店旅客登记簿,就在七月六日那一页上写着:"克利福德·戈尔登夫妇".笔迹专家就在此时此地把这本登记簿上的签名,跟草湖和大比腾两旅店来客登记簿进行了比较,证实了这一签名都出自同一人的手笔.这些笔迹,同罗伯达箱子里那张卡片上的笔迹也核对了一下,全都依次交给每位陪审员仔细查验过目,同样,也让贝尔纳普和杰夫森仔细查验过目.这些东西,他们两个都见过,只是那张卡片还没见过.因此,贝尔纳普又一次提出抗议,认为地方检察官不正当地、非法地、无耻地扣留了物证.于是就此问题展开了一场又长、又激烈的争论.事实上,第十天的庭讯也就这样收场了.
回复 引用 新鲜事
顶端
司凌。

ZxID：9742737

2429874鲜花 36鸡蛋

等级: 派派版主
配偶: 此微夜
原名：独爱穿越。
举报 只看该作者 89楼  发表于: 2013-10-25 0

Part 3 Chapter 22
And then, on the eleventh day, Frank W. Schaefer, clerk of the Renfrew House in Utica, recalling the actualarrival of Clyde and Roberta and their actions; also Clyde's registration for both as Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Golden,of Syracuse. And then Wallace Vanderhoff, one of the clerks of the Star Haberdashery in Utica, with a story ofClyde's actions and general appearance at the time of his buying a straw hat. And then the conductor of the trainrunning between Utica and Grass Lake. And the proprietor of the Grass Lake House. And Blanche Pettingill, awaitress, who swore that at dinner she overheard Clyde arguing with Roberta as to the impossibility of getting a marriage license there--that it would be better to wait until they reached some other place the next day--a bit ofparticularly damaging testimony, since it pre-dated by a day the proposed confession which Clyde was supposedto have made to Roberta, but which Jephson and Belknap afterward agreed between themselves might easilyhave had some preliminary phases. And after her the conductor of the train that carried them to Gun Lodge. Andafter him the guide and the driver of the bus, with his story of Clyde's queer talk about many people being overthere and leaving Roberta's bag while he took his own, and saying they would be back.
　　And then, the proprietor of the Inn at Big Bittern; the boatkeeper; the three men in the woods--their testimonyvery damaging to Clyde's case, since they pictured his terror on encountering them. And then the story of thefinding of the boat and Roberta's body, and the eventual arrival of Heit and his finding of the letter in Roberta'scoat. A score of witnesses testifying as to all this. And next the boat captain, the farm girl, the Cranstonchauffeur, the arrival of Clyde at the Cranstons', and at last (every step accounted for and sworn to) his arrival atBear Lake, the pursuit and his capture--to say nothing of the various phases of his arrest--what he said--this beingmost damaging indeed, since it painted Clyde as false, evasive, and terrified.
　　But unquestionably, the severest and most damaging testimony related to the camera and the tripod--thecircumstances surrounding the finding of them--and on the weight of this Mason was counting for a conviction.
　　His one aim first was to convict Clyde of lying as to his possession of either a tripod or a camera. And in order todo that he first introduced Earl Newcomb, who swore that on a certain day, when he, Mason and Heit and all theothers connected with the case were taking Clyde over the area in which the crime had been committed, he and acertain native, one Bill Swartz, who was afterwards put on the stand, while poking about under some fallen logsand bushes, had come across the tripod, hidden under a log. Also (under the leadership of Mason, although overthe objections of both Belknap and Jephson, which were invariably overruled), he proceeded to add that Clyde,on being asked whether he had a camera or this tripod, had denied any knowledge of it, on hearing whichBelknap and Jephson actually shouted their disapproval.
　　Immediately following, though eventually ordered stricken from the records by Justice Oberwaltzer, there wasintroduced a paper signed by Heit, Burleigh, Slack, Kraut, Swenk, Sissel, Bill Swartz, Rufus Forster, countysurveyor, and Newcomb, which set forth that Clyde, on being shown the tripod and asked whether he had one,"vehemently and repeatedly denied that he had." But in order to drive the import of this home, Masonimmediately adding: "Very well, your Honor, but I have other witnesses who will swear to everything that is inthat paper and more," and at once calling "Joseph Frazer! Joseph Frazer!" and then placing on the stand a dealerin sporting goods, cameras, etc., who proceeded to swear that some time between May fifteenth and June first,the defendant, Clyde Griffiths, whom he knew by sight and name, had applied to him for a camera of a certainsize, with tripod attached, and that the defendant had finally selected a Sank, 3 1/2 by 5 1/2, for which he hadmade arrangements to pay in installments. And after due examination and consulting certain stock numbers withwhich the camera and the tripod and his own book were marked, Mr. Frazer identifying first the camera nowshown him, and immediately after that the yellow tripod as the one he had sold Clyde.
　　And Clyde sitting up aghast. Then they had found the camera, as well as the tripod, after all. And after he hadprotested so that he had no camera with him. What would that jury and the judge and this audience think of hislying about that? Would they be likely to believe his story of a change of heart after this proof that he had liedabout a meaningless camera? Better to have confessed in the first place.
　　But even as he was so thinking Mason calling Simeon Dodge, a young woodsman and driver, who testified thaton Saturday, the sixteenth of July, accompanied by John Pole, who had lifted Roberta's body out of the water, hehad at the request of the district attorney, repeatedly dived into the exact spot where her body was found, andfinally succeeded in bringing up a camera. And then the camera itself identified by Dodge.
　　Immediately after this all the testimony in regard to the hitherto as yet unmentioned films found in the camera atthe time of its recovery, since developed, and now received in evidence, four views which showed a personlooking more like Roberta than any one else, together with two, which clearly enough represented Clyde.
　　Belknap was not able to refute or exclude them.
　　Then Floyd Thurston, one of the guests at the Cranston lodge at Sharon on June eighteenth--the occasion ofClyde's first visit there--placed on the stand to testify that on that occasion Clyde had made a number of pictureswith a camera about the size and description of the one shown him, but failing to identify it as the particular one,his testimony being stricken out.
　　After him again, Edna Patterson, a chambermaid in the Grass Lake Inn, who, as she swore, on entering the roomwhich Clyde and Roberta occupied on the night of July seventh, had seen Clyde with a camera in his hand,which was of the size and color, as far as she could recall, of the one then and there before her. She had also atthe same time seen a tripod. And Clyde, in his curious and meditative and half-hypnotized state, recalling wellenough the entrance of this girl into that room and marveling and suffering because of the unbreakable chain offacts that could thus be built up by witnesses from such varying and unconnected and unexpected places, and solong after, too.
　　After her, but on different days, and with Belknap and Jephson contending every inch of the way as to theadmissibility of all this, the testimony of the five doctors whom Mason had called in at the time Roberta's bodywas first brought to Bridgeburg, and who in turn swore that the wounds, both on the face and head, weresufficient, considering Roberta's physical condition, to stun her. And because of the condition of the dead girl'slungs, which had been tested by attempting to float them in water, averring that at the time her body had firstentered the water, she must have been still alive, although not necessarily conscious. But as to the nature of theinstrument used to make these wounds, they would not venture to guess, other than to say it must have beenblunt. And no grilling on the part of either Belknap or Jephson could bring them to admit that the blows couldhave been of such a light character as not to stun or render unconscious. The chief injury appeared to be on thetop of the skull, deep enough to have caused a blood clot, photographs of all of which were put in evidence.
　　At this psychological point, when both audience and jury were most painfully and effectively stirred, a numberof photographs of Roberta's face, made at the time that Heit, the doctors and the Lutz Brothers had her in charge,were introduced. Then the dimensions of the bruises on the right side of her face were shown to correspondexactly in size with two sides of the camera. Immediately after that, Burton Burleigh, placed on the stand toswear how he had discovered the two strands of hair which corresponded with the hair on Roberta's head--or soMason tried to show--caught between the lens and the lid. And then, after hours and hours, Belknap, infuriatedand yet made nervous by this type of evidence and seeking to riddle it with sarcasm, finally pulling a light hairout of his head and then asking the jurors and Burleigh if they could venture to tell whether one single hair fromany one's head could be an indication of the general color of a person's hair, and if not, whether they were readyto believe that this particular hair was from Roberta's head or not.
　　Mason then calling a Mrs. Rutger Donahue, who proceeded, in the calmest and most placid fashion, to tell howon the evening of July eighth last, between five-thirty and six, she and her husband immediately after setting up atent above Moon Cove, had started out to row and fish, when being about a half-mile off shore and perhaps aquarter of a mile above the woods or northern fringe of land which enclosed Moon Cove, she had heard a cry.
　　"Between half past five and six in the afternoon, you say?""Yes, sir.""And on what date again?""July eighth.""And where were you exactly at that time?""We were--""Not 'we.' Where were you personally?""I was crossing what I have since learned was South Bay in a row- boat with my husband.""Yes. Now tell what happened next.""When we reached the middle of the bay I heard a cry.""What was it like?""It was penetrating--like the cry of some one in pain--or in danger. It was sharp--a haunting cry."Here a motion to "strike out," with the result that the last phrase was so ordered stricken out.
　　"Where did it come from?""From a distance. From within or beyond the woods.""Did you know at the time that there was another bay or cove there-- below that strip of woods?""No, sir.""Well, what did you think then--that it might have come from within the woods below where you were?"(Objected to--and objection sustained.)"And now tell us, was it a man's or a woman's cry? What kind of a cry was it?""It was a woman's cry, and something like 'Oh, oh!' or 'Oh, my!'--very piercing and clear, but distant, of course.
　　A double scream such as one might make when in pain.""You are sure you could not be mistaken as to the kind of a cry it was--male or female.""No, sir. I am positive. It was a woman's. It was pitched too high for a man's voice or a boy's. It could not havebeen anything but a woman's.""I see. And now tell us, Mrs. Donahue--you see this dot on the map showing where the body of Roberta Aldenwas found?""Yes, sir.""And you see this other dot, over those trees, showing approximately where your boat was?""Yes, sir.""Do you think that voice came from where this dot in Moon Cove is?"(Objected to. Sustained.)"And was that cry repeated?""No, sir. I waited, and I called my husband's attention to it, too, and we waited, but didn't hear it again."Then Belknap, eager to prove that it might have been a terrified and yet not a pained or injured cry, taking herand going all over the ground again, and finding that neither she nor her husband, who was also put on the stand,could be shaken in any way. Neither, they insisted, could the deep and sad effect of this woman's voice beeradicated from their minds. It had haunted both, and once in their camp again they had talked about it. Becauseit was dusk he did not wish to go seeking after the spot from which it came; because she felt that some woman orgirl might have been slain in those woods, she did not want to stay any longer, and the next morning early theyhad moved on to another lake.
　　Thomas Barrett, another Adirondack guide, connected with a camp at Dam's Lake, swore that at the time referredto by Mrs. Donahue, he was walking along the shore toward Big Bittern Inn and had seen not only a man andwoman off shore in about the position described, but farther back, toward the south shore of this bay, had notedthe tent of these campers. Also that from no point outside Moon Cove, unless near the entrance, could oneobserve any boat within the cove. The entrance was narrow and any view from the lake proper completelyblocked. And there were other witnesses to prove this.
　　At this psychological moment, as the afternoon sun was already beginning to wane in the tall, narrow courtroom,and as carefully planned by him beforehand, Mason's reading all of Roberta's letters, one by one, in a most simple and nondeclamatory fashion, yet with all the sympathy and emotion which their first perusal had stirred inhim. They had made him cry.
　　He began with letter number one, dated June eighth, only three days after her departure from Lycurgus, and onthrough them all down to letters fourteen, fifteen, sixteen and seventeen, in which, in piecemeal or by importantreferences here and there, she related her whole contact with Clyde down to his plan to come for her in threeweeks, then in a month, then on July eighth or ninth, and then the sudden threat from her which precipitated hissudden decision to meet her at Fonda. And as Mason read them, all most movingly, the moist eyes and thehandkerchiefs and the coughs in the audience and among the jurors attested their import:
　　"You said I was not to worry or think so much about how I feel, and have a good time. That's all right for you tosay, when you're in Lycurgus and surrounded by your friends and invited everywhere. It's hard for me to talkover there at Wilcox's with somebody always in earshot and with you constantly reminding me that I mustn't saythis or that. But I had so much to ask and no chance there. And all that you would say was that everything was allright. But you didn't say positively that you were coming on the 27th, that because of something I couldn't quitemake out--there was so much buzzing on the wire--you might not be able to start until later. But that can't be,Clyde. My parents are leaving for Hamilton where my uncle lives on the third. And Tom and Emily are going tomy sister's on the same day. But I can't and won't go there again. I can't stay here all alone. So you must, youreally must come, as you agreed. I can't wait any longer than that, Clyde, in the condition that I'm in, and so youjust must come and take me away. Oh, please, please, I beg of you, not to torture me with any more delays now."And again:
　　"Clyde, I came home because I thought I could trust you. You told me so solemnly before I left that if I would,you would come and get me in three weeks at the most--that it would not take you longer than that to get ready,have enough money for the time we would be together, or until you could get something to do somewhere else.
　　But yesterday, although the third of July will be nearly a month since I left, you were not at all sure at first thatyou could come by then, and when as I told you my parents are surely leaving for Hamilton to be gone for tendays. Of course, afterwards, you said you would come, but you said it as though you were just trying to quiet me.
　　It has been troubling me awfully ever since.
　　"For I tell you, Clyde, I am sick, very. I feel faint nearly all the time. And besides, I am so worried as to what Ishall do if you don't come that I am nearly out of my mind.""Clyde, I know that you don't care for me any more like you did and that you are wishing things could bedifferent. And yet, what am I to do? I know you'll say that it has all been as much my fault as yours. And theworld, if it knew, might think so, too. But how often did I beg you not to make me do what I did not want to do,and which I was afraid even then I would regret, although I loved you too much to let you go, if you still insistedon having your way.""Clyde, if I could only die. That would solve all this. And I have prayed and prayed that I would lately, yes Ihave. For life does not mean as much to me now as when I first met you and you loved me. Oh, those happydays! If only things were different. If only I were out of your way. It would all be so much better for me and forall of us. But I can't now, Clyde, without a penny and no way to save the name of our child, except this. Yet if it weren't for the terrible pain and disgrace it would bring to my mother and father and all my family, I would bewilling to end it all in another way. I truly would."And again:
　　"Oh, Clyde, Clyde, life is so different to-day to what it was last year. Think--then we were going to Crum andthose other lakes over near Fonda and Gloversville and Little Falls, but now--now. Only just now some boy andgirl friends of Tom's and Emily's came by to get them to go after strawberries, and when I saw them go and knewI couldn't, and that I couldn't be like that any more ever, I cried and cried, ever so long."And finally:
　　"I have been bidding good-by to some places to-day. There are so many nooks, dear, and all of them so dear tome. I have lived here all my life, you know. First, there was the springhouse with its great masses of green moss,and in passing it I said good-by to it, for I won't be coming to it soon again--maybe never. And then the old appletree where we had our playhouse years ago--Emily and Tom and Gifford and I. Then the 'Believe,' a cute littlehouse in the orchard where we sometimes played.
　　"Oh, Clyde, you can't realize what all this means to me, I feel as though I shall never see my home again after Ileave here this time. And mamma, poor dear mamma, how I do love her and how sorry I am to have deceived herso. She is never cross and she always helps me so much. Sometimes I think if I could tell her, but I can't. She hashad trouble enough, and I couldn't break her heart like that. No, if I go away and come back some time, eithermarried or dead--it doesn't make so much difference now--she will never know, and I will not have caused herany pain, and that means so much more than life itself to me. So good-by, Clyde, until I do meet you, as youtelephoned. And forgive me all the trouble that I have caused you.
　　"Your sorrowful,"ROBERTA."And at points in the reading, Mason himself crying, and at their conclusion turning, weary and yet triumphant, amost complete and indestructible case, as he saw it, having been presented, and exclaiming: "The People rest."And at that moment, Mrs. Alden, in court with her husband and Emily, and overwrought, not only by the longstrain of the trial but this particular evidence, uttering a whimpering yet clear cry and then falling forward in afaint. And Clyde, in his own overwrought condition, hearing her cry and seeing her fall, jumping up--therestraining hand of Jephson instantly upon him, while bailiffs and others assisted her and Titus who was besideher from the courtroom. And the audience almost, if not quite, as moved and incensed against Clyde by thatdevelopment as though, then and there, he had committed some additional crime.
　　But then, that excitement having passed and it being quite dark, and the hands of the court clock pointing to five,and all the court weary, Justice Oberwaltzer signifying his intention of adjourning for the night.
　　And at once all the newspaper men and feature writers and artists rising and whispering to each other that on themorrow the defense would start, and wondering as to who and where the witnesses were, also whether Clyde would be permitted to go on the stand in his own defense in the face of this amazing mass of evidence againsthim, or whether his lawyers would content themselves with some specious argument as to mental and moralweakness which might end in prison for life--not less.
　　And Clyde, hissed and cursed as he left the court, wondering if on the morrow, and as they had planned this longtime since, he would have the courage to rise and go on the stand--wondering if there was not some way, in caseno one was looking (he was not handcuffed as he went to and from the jail) maybe to-morrow night when allwere rising, the crowds moving and these deputies coming toward him--if--well, if he could only run, or walkeasily and quietly and yet, quickly and seemingly unintentionally, to that stair and then down and out--to--well-towherever it went--that small side door to the main stairs which before this he had seen from the jail! If hecould only get to some woods somewhere, and then walk and walk, or run and run, maybe, without stopping, andwithout eating, for days maybe, until, well, until he had gotten away--anywhere. It was a chance, of course. Hemight be shot, or tracked with dogs and men, but still it was a chance, wasn't it?
　　For this way he had no chance at all. No one anywhere, after all this, was going to believe him not guilty. And hedid not want to die that way. No, no, not that way!
　　And so another miserable, black and weary night. And then another miserable gray and wintry morning.
第二十二章
随后,到了第十一天,尤蒂卡的伦弗鲁饭店职员弗兰克·W·沙弗,回想到克莱德和罗伯达抵达旅馆时的情景和他们在那里的举止言行.他还讲到克莱德在来客登记簿上把他们俩写成:来自锡拉丘兹的克利福德·戈尔登夫妇.接着,尤蒂卡的明星男子服饰用品商店店员华莱士·范德霍夫,讲到了克莱德来店里买草帽时的举止和外表的样子.接下来是来往于尤蒂卡和草湖之间那一趟列车上的乘务员.以后是草湖旅店老板,还有女招待布兰奇·佩廷吉尔.她在作证时说,她听见克莱德在进晚餐时跟罗伯达在抬杠,好象是说不可能在那里弄到一份结婚证书——最好等到转天他们到了别的一个什么地方再说——这一证词对被告特别不利,因为这就把所谓的克莱德打算向罗伯达坦白的日期提前了一天,不过,杰夫森和贝尔纳普后经商量统一了说法,认为在坦白以前很可能得有一些预备阶段.在那女招待以后,就是把他们送到冈洛奇的那趟列车上的乘务长.在他以后,则是那个接送旅客的导游兼汽车司机,说克莱德讲了那儿有很多游客的怪话,还让罗伯达的手提箱留下来,可他自己的手提箱却随身带着,说他们俩是还要回来的.
接下来是大比腾旅店老板,还有那个出租游船的掌柜,以及在树林子里同克莱德邂逅的那三个人.他们的证词,对克莱德一案极为不利,因为他们都讲到他在遇见他们时露出那种骇怕的神态.接着讲的是如何找到那条小船以及罗伯达的尸体.还有海特后来赶到现场,在罗伯达外套口袋里发现了那封信.而且,有二十来个证人就上述各点先后作了证.接下来是那艘汽船的船长、那个乡下姑娘、克兰斯顿家那个汽车司机先后作证,讲到克莱德抵达克兰斯顿家时的情形.最后讲到(每一个步骤都加以说明,宣誓作证)他到达熊湖,以及如何追缉他和如何抓住了他——至于他被捕时种种情形,他还说过些什么话,那就更不用提了.所有这一切证词,对他确实是最大的打击了,因为克莱德的虚伪、推诿和惊骇全都被揭露无遗.可是,毫无疑问,对克莱德来说,最严重的、致命的证词,是有关照相机和三脚架,以及这些东西被发现时的情况——而且,梅森认为单凭这一点就可以给他定罪.他第一个目的,就是要证实:克莱德在自己有没有三脚架和照相机这个问题上撒了谎.为此,他首先介绍厄尔·纽科姆作证.纽科姆作证时说,有一天,他、梅森和海特,还有其他与本案有关的人,把克莱德带到了他犯罪的地点.他,纽科姆,和一个本地人,名叫比尔·斯沃茨的(后来此人也来到了证人席),在一些横倒地上的圆木和矮树底下四处搜索,终于碰到了藏在一根圆木底下的那副三脚架.接着(这是在梅森开导之下说的,尽管贝尔纳普和杰夫森多次提出反对,可是照例都受到法官驳斥),他继续补充说,曾问过克莱德是不是有过一架照相机或是这副三脚架,他却回答说他什么都不知道.贝尔纳普和杰夫森一听这话,就大声嚷嚷,以示抗议.
尽管后来奥伯沃泽法官终于下令,把这一部分证词从开庭笔录中勾掉了,但紧接着马上有一份海特、伯利、斯莱克、克劳特、斯温克、西塞尔、比尔·斯华茨、本县测量员罗弗斯·福斯特,以及纽科姆签名的纪录向法庭递上,说他们在向克莱德出示三脚架,问他有没有这个东西时,克莱德都是"屡次断然加以否认".但梅森为了强调这一点特别重要,马上找补着说:"敢情好,法官阁下,不过,我还有许多证人,可以对这份记录上所说的每一件事,乃至于更多的事宣誓作证."他立即大声招呼"约瑟夫·弗雷泽!约瑟夫·弗雷泽!"话声刚落,一个经售运动器材、照相机等物品的商人登上了证人席.此人宣誓作证说,在五月十五日至六月一日之间,有一天,这个他一碰面、或是一见名字就认得的被告——克莱德·格里菲思对他说要买一架某种型号、配备三脚架的照相机.最后,被告选购了一架"桑克"牌照相机,是有三英寸宽、五英寸半长,讲定分期付款.弗雷泽先生仔细查对了照相机、三脚架和他自己帐簿上的号码以后,确认此刻向他先后出示的照相机以及黄色三脚架,正是当时他出售给克莱德的.
克莱德一下子吓懵了.这么说来,他们终究把照相机和三脚架都找到了.而且,还是在他坚决声称他随身没有携带照相机以后.他连这事都要撒谎,陪审团、法官和列席听众,会有怎么个想法呀?!现在证明他对这么一架毫无意义的照相机也要撒谎,以后人们还会相信他回心转意的那一套说法吗?!他最好还是坦白供认,越早越好.
不过,就在他这么暗自思忖的时候,梅森传唤一个名叫西米恩·道奇的人.此人是一个年轻的林区居民兼汽车司机.他在作证时说,七月十六日星期六,在地方检察官的要求下,他跟打捞罗伯达尸体的约翰·波尔,好几次潜水到捞起女尸的那一带湖底搜索,终于把这架照相机捞上来了.随后,照相机也经道奇验明确认无误.
在这以后,都是为直到此刻还没有提到过的照相机里那些胶卷作证.这些胶卷已被显影,可以作为罪证.其中有四张,可以看出,不是别人,而是酷肖罗伯达,另外两张,照得很清晰,就是克莱德本人.贝尔纳普面对这些物证,实在无法进行反驳,或是加以排除.
接下来是弗洛伊德·瑟斯顿走上了证人席.他是六月十八日去沙隆克兰斯顿家别墅的客人之一,克莱德正好也在那一天第一次去那儿作客.此人在作证时说,那一回克莱德拍了一些照片,他所使用的照相机形状大小,跟此刻出示给他看的这一架差不离.不过,由于他没法肯定就是这一架,他的证词就从开庭笔录中被勾掉了.
挨在瑟斯顿以后,是草湖旅店的女招待埃德娜·帕特森.她在作证时说,七月七日夜里,她走进克莱德和罗伯达那个房间,看见克莱德手里拿着一架照相机,据她回忆,照相机的颜色、大小,就跟此刻给她看的那一架一模一样.那天夜里,她还看见过一副三脚架.克莱德对这一切觉得挺奇怪,并在几乎迷迷糊糊的沉思中回想起来,这个姑娘确实进过那个房间.克莱德既吃惊、又难过地想道:竟然有这么多的证人,来自各各不同、互不相关,而又意想不到的地方,却罗列出了怎么也驳不倒、而且还都是很久以前的一系列罪状!
在她以后好几天里,还有五位医生作证——不过,贝尔纳普和杰夫森对所有这些证词能不能接受这一点上,寸步不让地进行了争论.这五位医生,是在罗伯达的尸体一运至布里奇伯格时就被梅森请来了.他们依次宣誓作证说,考虑到罗伯达的生理情况,脸上和头上挨砸后的创伤,确实足以使她昏倒过去.从已故姑娘肺的状态(即将死者的肺脏浸入水中,进行检验的结果)来看,可以断定:她刚落水时,肯定还活着,虽然不一定有知觉.但造成这些创伤的到底是什么样的凶器,他们不敢妄加揣测,只是说这种凶器肯定不是锋利的.不管是贝尔纳普也好,杰夫森也好,他们两人的严厉盘问,还是不能迫使医生们承认下面这一点:这些打击可能是轻微的,所以不至于使罗伯达昏倒或是失去知觉.看来头顶上的创伤最严重,伤痕很深,已凝成血块.所有创伤部位的照片,也都拿出来作为物证.
就在这个关键时刻,正当列席听众和陪审团感到极度悲痛和无比激动时,海特、医生们和卢茨兄弟殡仪馆同事在收尸时所拍摄的罗伯达脸部的一些照片,也都拿出来了.证明她脸上右侧伤痕面积,跟照相机两边大小完全相符.紧接着在这以后,伯顿·伯利来到了证人席.他在宣誓作证时说,他怎样发现夹在镜头和盖子之间有两小绺头发,跟罗伯达头上的头发一模一样——或者说,梅森想要证明的,也是这一点.随后,经过长达数小时的议论,贝尔纳普被这种性质的物证弄得恼怒不安,很想用挖苦嘲笑来一一加以反驳,最后就从自己头上揪下一根淡色头发,质问陪审员他们和伯顿·伯利:单凭一个人头上的一根头发,能不能就说明这个人全部头发的颜色;如果不能,那你们各位能不能相信:这么一根头发,究竟是不是罗伯达头上的呢.
接着,梅森传唤一位名叫拉特格·多纳休的太太.她用一种极为安详、平和的声调说:七月八号傍晚,大约在五点半到六点钟之间,她和丈夫先是在月潭搭好了一座帐篷,然后去划船、钓鱼.他们离开湖岸大约有半英里,环绕月潭四周围的树林子和尖岬北头也许有四分之一英里时,她就听见一个呼喊声.
"您说是下午五点半到六点钟之间,是吗?"
"是的,先生."
"再说说是在哪一天?"
"七月八号."
"那时候,您正好是在哪儿?"
"我们在——"
"不要说'我们'.就说您自己是在哪儿?"
"我正跟丈夫坐在一只小船上,划过一个地方,后来我才知道这个地方叫南湾."
"得了.现在说一说,以后发生了什么事?"
"当我们划到湖湾中央的时候,我听到了一个呼喊声."
"是什么样的呼喊声?"
"令人听了心肺俱裂,好象是什么人因为剧痛——要不然就是碰到危险时发出的呼喊声.这声音很刺耳——以后它始终在我耳边回响."
这时,贝尔纳普临时动议"一笔勾销",结果最后一句奉命从开庭笔录中被勾掉了.
"这呼喊声是从哪儿传来的?"
"从远处.是从树林子里,要不然就是从树林子后面传来的."
"那时候,您知道不知道树林子那边还有一个湖湾,或者说是延伸到树林子的一块狭长草地?"
"不知道,先生."
"哦,您当时是怎么想的——这呼喊声可能是从你们那边的树林子里传来的吗?"
(提出异议,得到了庭方支持.)
"现在您就告诉我们,这是男人发出的,还是女人发出的呼喊声?又是什么样的呼喊声?"
"那是一个女人发出的呼喊声,好象是在叫嚷'啊,啊!'或是'啊,老天哪!'——非常尖厉、清晰,不过,当然罗,很远很远.就象一个人在剧痛时拚命地尖叫."
"这呼喊声是男人发出的,还是女人发出的,您能肯定,不会弄错了吧."
"错不了,先生.我敢肯定是一个女人发出的呼喊声.一个成年男子或是孩子,决不可能有那么尖的声调.只有女人才会这样呼喊的."
"我明白啦.现在请您告诉我们,多纳休太太——地图上这个点,就是发现罗伯达·奥尔登尸体的地方,您看见了吗?"
"看见了,先生."
"另有一个点,在那树林子后面,大约就是你们那只小船所在的地方,您看见了吗?"
"看见了,先生."
"您认为那个声音是从月潭这一个点上传过来吗?"
(提出异议,得到了庭方支持.)
"这呼喊声重复过没有?"
"没有,先生.当时我等了一会儿,而且还关照我丈夫也注意听着.我们俩都等着,但是这呼喊声却再也听不见了."
于是,贝尔纳普一方面恨不得证明这也许只不过是一种表示害怕,而不是在剧痛或是受伤以后发出的呼喊声,另一方面又一次从头至尾盘问了多纳休太太一遍,结果却发现:不管是她也好,还是后来被传唤到证人席的她丈夫也好,他们夫妇俩立场都是一点儿也没有动摇.他们斩钉截铁地说,这个女人的呼喊声所引起的深深的伤感,在他们心里始终萦绕不去.这呼喊声老是跟随他们;到了宿营地以后,他们还在谈论它.因为那时候天色已黑,她丈夫不愿意出去寻摸这呼喊声传过来的地点;她自己觉得也许是某个女人或是年轻姑娘在树林子里被人杀害,所以,她就再也不愿待在那里,转天大清早,他们动身前往另一个湖上去了.
艾迪隆达克斯的另一个导游托马斯·巴雷特,眼下在达姆湖露宿营地工作.他在作证时说,就在多纳休太太刚才提到的那个时刻,他正沿着湖岸向大比腾旅店走去.他不仅看到刚才所说的湖上那个地点小船上有一男一女,而且,在更远的湖湾的南岸,还发现这一对露宿者的那座帐篷.巴雷特还说,从月潭外面任何一个地点,断断乎望不到月潭里的船只,除非你是在它的入口处附近.不过,这入口处很窄,从湖上望过去,整个月潭都给挡住了.另外一些证人,也证明了这一点.
就在这个关键时刻,午后的阳光已在又高又窄的法院大厅里逐渐暗淡下来,梅森按照他事先的缜密安排,把罗伯达的信全给念了.他是一封一封地念,用的是一种非常朴素,绝不装腔作势的语调,而且还倾注了他初读这些信时心中所引起的深切同情和无限激情.当时他读到那些信,不觉潸然泪下.
梅森先念罗伯达六月八日写的第一封信,距她离开莱柯格斯老家才只有三天光景.接着一封封念下去,念到第十四、第十五、第十六、第十七封信.在那些信里,她零零碎碎地写到了,或是提到了具有关键性的一些重要事实.她就这样把自己跟克莱德交往的来龙去脉全都说到了,而且,一直说到他打算来找她,先是说在三周以内,接着又顺延一个月,最后约定在七月八、九日;随后,她突然出言威吓,他在仓卒之间决定在方达跟她见面,如此等等.梅森在念那些信时,全场无不为之动容.只见列席听众和陪审团中间,两眼噙着泪花,掏出手绢来擦眼泪,还不时夹着一些咳嗽声.这一切都足以证明那些信具有多大的感染力:
你说要我对自己的感受不必担忧,也不必想得太多了,而是要我快快活活地把时间打发过去.你这么说说,那敢情好.你是在莱柯格斯,朋友们都围着你转,到处有人邀请你,可我在威尔科克斯家打电话真难,经常有人立壁脚听我说话,你还老是关照我这个说不得,那个又不准讲.不过,我有很多话要问你,只不过在电话里却没法问.
你老是重复说什么一切都好.可你并没有肯定说你二十七号准来.你说,因为有什么事,我听不清楚——电话里嗡嗡声太大——也许你来不了,还要晚些日子再动身.但这是不行的,克莱德.爸爸妈妈三号要上汉密尔顿我叔叔那里去.托姆和艾米莉在同一天要到我妹妹那里去.可我既不能,也不愿再去她那里了.我可不能一个人孤零零待在这里呀.所以,你应该,说真的,你应该来,因为你事先答应过的.就我眼前的身子来说,克莱德,我实在再也等不下去了.所以,你就是应该来这里,把我接走.啊,劳驾,劳驾,我求求你,别一再拖延时间来折磨我了.
还有:克莱德,我这次回家来,是因为我自以为对你信得过.在我临走前,你那么一本正经地答应过我,说你最多过三周就来看我——还说在这期间把一切安排停当,筹措到一大笔钱,以备我们住在一起的时候,或是你上别处另觅工作以前过日子.虽然到七月三号我回家快要一个月了,可是昨天,你一开头压根儿就没说定三号那天准来,何况,后来我还告诉你,我爸爸妈妈在同一天准定上汉密尔顿去住十天.当然罗,后来你也说过你要来的,不过你说这话,好象只是想让我宽心罢了.这件事从那时起,一直让我怪难过的.
可我得告诉你,克莱德,我病了,来势过猛.我差不多老是觉得自己要晕过去.再说,我老是怪担心的,你要是不来,我该怎么办,这几乎使我快要发疯了.
克莱德,我知道,现在你再也不象过去那样疼我了.
而且,你也巴不得一切都变了样才好.可我怎么办呢?我知道,你会说一切的一切全错了,有你的份,也有我的份哩.而且,人们要是知道,说不定也会这么想的.可是,我不知有多少次求过你别勉强我去做我压根儿不愿做的事啊.即使在那个时刻,我还害怕这事将来我会后悔不及的,尽管我是那么爱你,不让你走,可你依然是一意孤行.
克莱德,但愿我死了,该有多好.这样也就一了百了.最近我一直在祈祷呀,祈祷呀,但愿我能瞑目而去.真的,我是祈祷过的.因为,如今,我觉得,生命已不象我初次碰见你、你倾心爱我时那样弥足珍贵了.啊,往昔那些幸福的日子!要是一切不是这个样子,该有多好!要是当初我没有跟你相识,该有多好.那就对我和对我们大家都会好得多.可现在我没辙呀,克莱德,我一个子儿都没有,我也没法给我们的孩子取名.不过,要不是那样会给我父母和我全家人带来极大痛苦和奇耻大辱,我真愿意用另一种办法来结束这一切.我说的确实是真话.
还有:
啊,克莱德,克莱德,今天,生活里一切跟去年相比,该有多么不一样呀.只要想一想——那时,我们一块到过克拉姆湖,还到过方达、格洛弗斯维尔和小瀑布附近一些湖上.可现在啊——现在啊.刚才汤姆和艾米莉的几个男女朋友来了,找他们一块采草莓去.我看见他们走的时候,心里明白我是去不了的,我再也不能象他们那样了,我就哭呀,哭呀,哭了那么长时间.
最后:
今天,我跟自己心爱的地方一一告别.要知道,亲爱的,这里有那么多可爱的角落,对我来说,全都是怪亲切的.你知道,我的一生都是在这里度过的.先说说我家那个井台子,四周长满了一大堆一大堆青苔.我走过的时候,就向它说了一声再见,因为,如今我不会很快再回到它身边来——也许永远不会回来了.还有——那棵老苹果树,我们——艾米莉、汤姆、吉福德和我,小时候常常在树底下玩耍,还有——那个"猜一猜"果园里的一座怪有趣的小凉亭,我们有时也在那里玩儿.
啊,克莱德,所有这一切对我意味着什么,你是没法体会到的.我心里感到好象我这次离家以后,再也不会见到它了.还有妈妈,可怜的、亲爱的妈妈,我多么爱她,而我一直在欺骗她,这让我多么难过啊.她从来不生气,对我老是全力相助.有时候,我真想能不能干脆向她和盘托出.但转念一想,我可千万不能啊.她受的苦已经够多了,我怎么也不能再让她心碎呀.不,要是现在我走了,多咱再回来,不管是结了婚,还是一死了之——这对我来说几乎无所谓了——她永远也不会知道,而我怎么也不愿让她受到任何痛苦.这在我看来,比自己生命还重要得多.好吧,再见了,克莱德,一直到我们相见的时候,就象你电话里所说的那样.请原谅我给你添了那么多的麻烦.
你那伤心的
罗伯达
梅森在念信的时候,往往自己也哭了,当他翻到最后一页时,尽管困乏不堪,但他还是很得意.他意识到自己提出了一套最为完整和颠扑不破的论证,便大声说:"人民停止举证."就在这时刻,随同丈夫和艾米莉一起出庭的奥尔登太太,不仅这些天来长时间听取庭审太紧张了,而且特别是在得悉这一证据后给她刺激太深,突然抽抽噎噎地发出一声尖叫,昏倒了过去.这时,克莱德也精疲力竭,听她这么一叫,看她倒了下去,就猛地一跃而起——杰夫森马上伸出手去制止了他,庭警等人则搀扶奥尔登太太和在她身旁的泰特斯一起走出法院大厅.这一场面极大地激怒了全体列席听众,仿佛觉得克莱德在此时此地又犯了一项大罪.
可是,不一会儿,群情激愤终于过去了,天色也很黑了,法庭上时钟已指到五点,整个法院大厅里人们全都困乏不堪,奥伯沃泽法官认为有必要宣布休庭.
所有的新闻记者、特写作者和画家马上站了起来,窃窃私语说,明天,被告一方及其律师的辩护就要开始了,暗自纳闷,真不知道会有哪些见证人,这些见证人现在哪里;面对这么一大堆惊人的、对他不利的证据,不知道克莱德能不能获准亲自出庭辩护,还是由他的辩护律师自圆其说地来上一套什么心灵上、道德上软弱这类貌似有理的辩解.其结果也许是判他无期徒刑——至少也得如此罢.
克莱德在人们的一片嘘声和咒骂声中走出了法院大厅;他暗自纳闷,既然他们为了明天这件事缜密筹划了那么久,真不知道明天他有没有这份勇气站起来,登上证人席呢——他心里又在想:还有没有别的什么办法,比方说,要是没有人注意(从监狱押往法庭的来去路上,是不给他戴手铐的),也许就在明天晚上,正当全体离座站了起来,人头攒动,法警朝他走过来的时候——只要——嘿,只要他能一溜快跑,或是从容不迫,但又好象是压根儿无心地快步走到了石阶那儿,就径直往下逃奔而去——嘿——那石阶会通往哪儿呢——只要不通往在这以前他从监狱里早已看见过主楼旁边的那道边门就行!只要他能奔进一座树林子,然后就安步当车,或是一溜小跑,一刻儿也不停,什么也不吃,也许一连好几天,一直到,嘿,一直到他完全脱险时为止——不管到了什么地方都行.当然罗,这是一个机会啊.也许人们会向他开熗,或是放出警犬、派人来追缉他,但这总归还是一个逃命机会,可不是?
但是现在他在这儿压根儿不会有这样逃命的机会.经过这次审讯以后,不论到哪儿,谁都不会相信他是无罪的.可他却不愿自己就象这样死去.不,不,就是不能这样死去!
这样就又捱过了一个凄凉的、黑暗的、疲乏的夜晚.随之而来的是又一个凄凉的、灰沉沉的冬日早晨.
第二十三章
回复 引用 新鲜事
顶端
司凌。

ZxID：9742737

2429874鲜花 36鸡蛋

等级: 派派版主
配偶: 此微夜
原名：独爱穿越。
举报 只看该作者 90楼  发表于: 2013-10-25 0

Part 3 Chapter 23
By eight o'clock the next morning the great city papers were on the stands with the sprawling headlines, whichinformed every one in no uncertain terms:
　　"PROSECUTION IN GRIFFITHS' CASE CLOSES WITH IMPRESSIVE DELUGE OF TESTIMONY.""MOTIVE AS WELL AS METHOD HAMMERED HOME.""DESTRUCTIVE MARKS ON FACE AND HEAD SHOWN TO CORRESPOND WITH ONE SIDE OFCAMERA.""MOTHER OF DEAD GIRL FAINTS AT CLOSE OF DRAMATIC READING OF HER LETTERS."And the architectonic way in which Mason had built his case, together with his striking and dramaticpresentation of it, was sufficient to stir in Belknap and Jephson, as well as Clyde, the momentary conviction thatthey had been completely routed--that by no conceivable device could they possibly convince this jury now thatClyde was not a quadruple-dyed villain.
　　And all congratulating Mason on the masterly way he had presented his case. And Clyde, greatly reduced andsaddened by the realization that his mother would be reading all that had transpired the day before. He must askJephson to please wire her so that she would not believe it. And Frank and Julia and Esta. And no doubt Sondrareading all this, too, to-day, yet through all these days, all these black nights, not one word! A reference now and then in the papers to a Miss X but at no time a single correct picture of her. That was what a family with moneycould do for you. And on this very day his defense would begin and he would have to go forward as the onlywitness of any import. Yet asking himself, HOW COULD HE? The crowd. Its temper. The nervous strain of itsunbelief and hatred by now. And after Belknap was through with him, then Mason. It was all right for Belknapand Jephson. They were in no danger of being tortured, as he was certain of being tortured.
　　Yet in the face of all this, and after an hour spent with Jephson and Belknap in his cell, finding himself back inthe courtroom, under the persistent gaze of this nondescript jury and the tensely interested audience. And nowBelknap rising before the jury and after solemnly contemplating each one of them, beginning:
　　"Gentlemen--somewhat over three weeks ago you were told by the district attorney that because of the evidencehe was about to present he would insist that you jurors must find the prisoner at the bar guilty of the crime ofwhich he stands indicted. It has been a long and tedious procedure since then. The foolish and inexperienced, yetin every case innocent and unintentional, acts of a boy of fifteen or sixteen have been gone into before yougentlemen as though they were the deeds of a hardened criminal, and plainly with the intention of prejudicingyou against this defendant, who, with the exception of one misinterpreted accident in Kansas City--the mostbrutally and savagely misinterpreted accident it has ever been my professional misfortune to encounter--can besaid to have lived as clean and energetic and blameless and innocent a life as any boy of his years anywhere. Youhave heard him called a man--a bearded man--a criminal and a crime-soaked product of the darkest vomiting ofHell. And yet he is but twenty-one. And there he sits. And I venture to say that if by some magic of the spokenword I could at this moment strip from your eye the substance of all the cruel thoughts and emotions which havebeen attributed to him by a clamorous and mistaken and I might say (if I had not been warned not to do so),politically biased prosecution, you could no more see him in the light that you do than you could rise out of thatbox and fly through those windows.
　　"Gentlemen of the jury, I have no doubt that you, as well as the district attorney and even the audience, havewondered how under the downpour of such linked and at times almost venomous testimony, I or my colleague orthis defendant could have remained as calm and collected as we have." (And here he waved with graveceremoniousness in the direction of his partner, who was still waiting his own hour.) "Yet, as you have seen, wehave not only maintained but enjoyed the serenity of those who not only feel but KNOW that they have the rightand just end of any legal contest. You recall, of course, the words of the Avon bard--'Thrice armed is he whohath his quarrel just.'
　　"In fact, we know, as the prosecution in this case unfortunately does not, the peculiarly strange and unexpectedcircumstances by which this dramatic and most unfortunate death came about. And before we are through youshall see for yourselves. In the meantime, let me tell you, gentlemen, that since this case opened I have believedthat even apart from the light we propose to throw on this disheartening tragedy, you gentlemen are not at allsure that a brutal or bestial crime can be laid upon the shoulders of this defendant. You cannot be! For after all,love is love, and the ways of passion and the destroying emotion of love in either sex are not those of theordinary criminal. Only remember, we were once all boys. And those of you who are grown women were girls,and know well--oh, how very well--the fevers and aches of youth that have nothing to do with a later practicallife. 'Judge not, lest ye be judged and with whatsoever measure ye mete, it will be measured unto ye again.'
　　"We admit the existence and charm and potent love spell of the mysterious Miss X and her letters, which we have not been able to introduce here, and their effect on this defendant. We admit his love for this Miss X, andwe propose to show by witnesses of our own, as well as by analyzing some of the testimony that has beenoffered here, that perhaps the sly and lecherous overtures with which this defendant is supposed to have lured thelovely soul now so sadly and yet so purely accidentally blotted out, as we shall show, from the straight andnarrow path of morality, were perhaps no more sly nor lecherous than the proceedings of any youth who findsthe girl of his choice surrounded by those who see life only in the terms of the strictest and narrowest moralregime. And, gentlemen, as your own county district attorney has told you, Roberta Alden loved Clyde Griffiths.
　　At the very opening of this relationship which has since proved to be a tragedy, this dead girl was deeply andirrevocably in love with him, just as at the time he imagined that he was in love with her. And people who aredeeply and earnestly in love with each other are not much concerned with the opinions of others in regard tothemselves. They are in love-- and that is sufficient!
　　"But, gentlemen, I am not going to dwell on that phase of the question so much as on this explanation which weare about to offer. Why did Clyde Griffiths go to Fonda, or to Utica, or to Grass Lake, or to Big Bittern, at all?
　　Do you think we have any reason for or any desire to deny or discolor in any way the fact of his having done so,or with Roberta Alden either? Or why, after the suddenness and seeming strangeness and mystery of her death,he should have chosen to walk away as he did? If you seriously think so for one fraction of a moment, you arethe most hopelessly deluded and mistaken dozen jurymen it has been our privilege to argue before in all ourtwenty-seven years' contact with juries.
　　"Gentlemen, I have said to you that Clyde Griffiths is not guilty, and he is not. You may think, perhaps, that weourselves must be believing in his guilt. But you are wrong. The peculiarity, the strangeness of life, is such thatoftentimes a man may be accused of something that he did not do and yet every circumstance surrounding him atthe time seem to indicate that he did do it. There have been many very pathetic and very terrible instances ofmiscarriages of justice through circumstantial evidence alone. Be sure! Oh, be very sure that no such mistakenjudgment based on any local or religious or moral theory of conduct or bias, because of presumed irrefutableevidence, is permitted to prejudice you, so that without meaning to, and with the best and highest-mindedintentions, you yourselves see a crime, or the intention to commit a crime, when no such crime or any suchintention ever truly or legally existed or lodged in the mind or acts of this defendant. Oh, be sure! Be very, verysure!"And here he paused to rest and seemed to give himself over to deep and even melancholy thought, while Clyde,heartened by this shrewd and defiant beginning was inclined to take more courage. But now Belknap was talkingagain, and he must listen--not lose a word of all this that was so heartening.
　　"When Roberta Alden's body was taken out of the water at Big Bittern, gentlemen, it was examined by aphysician. He declared at the time that the girl had been drowned. He will be here and testify and the defendantshall have the benefit of that testimony, and you must render it to him.
　　"You were told by the district attorney that Roberta Alden and Clyde Griffiths were engaged to be married andthat she left her home at Biltz and went forth with him on July sixth last on her wedding journey. Now,gentlemen, it is so easy to slightly distort a certain set of circumstances. 'Were engaged to be married' was howthe district attorney emphasized the incidents leading up to the departure on July sixth. As a matter of fact, notone iota of any direct evidence exists which shows that Clyde Griffiths was ever formally engaged to Roberta Alden, or that, except for some passages in her letters, he agreed to marry her. And those passages, gentlemen,plainly indicate that it was only under the stress of moral and material worry, due to her condition--for which hewas responsible, of course, but which, nevertheless, was with the consent of both--a boy of twenty-one and a girlof twenty-three--that he agreed to marry her. Is that, I ask you, an open and proper engagement--the kind of anengagement you think of when you think of one at all? Mind you, I am not seeking to flout or belittle or reflect inany way on this poor, dead girl. I am simply stating, as a matter of fact and of law, that this boy was not formallyengaged to this dead girl. He had not given her his word beforehand that he would marry her . . . Never! There isno proof. You must give him the benefit of that. And only because of her condition, for which we admit he wasresponsible, he came forward with an agreement to marry her, in case . . . in case" (and here he paused and restedon the phrase), "she was not willing to release him. And since she was not willing to release him, as her variousletters read here show, that agreement, on pain of a public exposure in Lycurgus, becomes, in the eyes and wordsof the district attorney, an engagement, and not only that but a sacred engagement which no one but a scoundreland a thief and a murderer would attempt to sever! But, gentlemen, many engagements, more open and sacred inthe eyes of the law and of religion, have been broken. Thousands of men and thousands of women have seentheir hearts change, their vows and faith and trust flouted, and have even carried their wounds into the secretplaces of their souls, or gone forth, and gladly, to death at their own hands because of them. As the districtattorney said in his address, it is not new and it will never be old. Never!
　　"But it is such a case as this last, I warn you, that you are now contemplating and are about to pass upon--a girlwho is the victim of such a change of mood. But that is not a legal, however great a moral or social crime it maybe. And it is only a curious and almost unbelievably tight and yet utterly misleading set of circumstances inconnection with the death of this girl that chances to bring this defendant before you at this time. I swear it. Itruly know it to be so. And it can and will be fully explained to your entire satisfaction before this case is closed.
　　"However, in connection with this last statement, there is another which must be made as a preface to all that isto follow.
　　"Gentlemen of the jury, the individual who is on trial here for his life is a mental as well as a moral coward--nomore and no less--not a downright, hardhearted criminal by any means. Not unlike many men in criticalsituations, he is a victim of a mental and moral fear complex. Why, no one as yet has been quite able to explain.
　　We all have one secret bugbear or fear. And it is these two qualities, and no others, that have placed him in thedangerous position in which he now finds himself. It was cowardice, gentlemen--fear of a rule of the factory ofwhich his uncle is the owner, as well as fear of his own word given to the officials above him, that caused himfirst to conceal the fact that he was interested in the pretty country girl who had come to work for him. And later,to conceal the fact that he was going with her.
　　"Yet no statutory crime of any kind there. You could not possibly try a man for that, whatever privately youmight think. And it was cowardice, mental and moral, gentlemen, which prevented him, after he becameconvinced that he could no longer endure a relationship which had once seemed so beautiful, from sayingoutright that he could not, and would not continue with her, let alone marry her. Yet, will you slay a man becausehe is the victim of fear? And again, after all, if a man has once and truly decided that he cannot and will notendure a given woman, or a woman a man--that to live with her could only prove torturesome--what would youhave that person do? Marry her? To what end? That they may hate and despise and torture each other foreverafter? Can you truly say that you agree with that as a rule, or a method, or a law? Yet, as the defense sees it, a truly intelligent and fair enough thing, under the circumstances, was done in this instance. An offer, but withoutmarriage--and alas, without avail--was made. A suggestion for a separate life, with him working to support herwhile she dwelt elsewhere. Her own letters, read only yesterday in this court, indicate something of the kind. Butthe oh, so often tragic insistence upon what in so many cases were best left undone! And then that last, long,argumentative trip to Utica, Grass Lake, and Big Bittern. And all to no purpose. Yet with no intention to kill orbetray unto death. Not the slightest. And we will show you why.
　　"Gentlemen, once more I insist that it was cowardice, mental and moral, and not any plot or plan for any crime ofany kind, that made Clyde Griffiths travel with Roberta Alden under various aliases to all the places I have justmentioned--that made him write 'Mr. and Mrs. Carl Graham,' 'Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Golden'--mental and moralfear of the great social mistake as well as sin that he had committed in pursuing and eventually allowing himselfto fail into this unhallowed relationship with her--mental and moral fear or cowardice of what was to follow.
　　"And again, it was mental and moral cowardice that prevented him there at Big Bittern, once the waters of thelake had so accidentally closed over her, from returning to Big Bittern Inn and making public her death. Mentaland Moral Cowardice--and nothing more and nothing less. He was thinking of his wealthy relatives in Lycurgus,their rule which his presence here on the lake with this girl would show to have been broken--of the sufferingand shame and rage of her parents. And besides, there was Miss X--the brightest star in the brightestconstellation of all his dreams.
　　"We admit all that, and we are completely willing to concede that he was, or must have been, thinking of allthese things. The prosecution charges, and we admit that such is the fact, that he had been so completelyensnared by this Miss X, and she by him, that he was willing and eager to forsake this first love who had givenherself to him, for one who, because of her beauty and her wealth, seemed so much more desirable--even as toRoberta Alden he seemed more desirable than others. And if she erred as to him--as plainly she did--might not-mightnot he have erred eventually in his infatuated following of one who in the ultimate--who can say?--mightnot have cared so much for him. At any rate, one of his strongest fear thoughts at this time, as he himself hasconfessed to us, his counsel, was that if this Miss X learned that he had been up there with this other girl ofwhom she had not even so much as heard, well then, it would mean the end of her regard for him.
　　"I know that as you gentlemen view such things, such conduct has no excuse for being. One may be the victim ofan internal conflict between two illicit moods, yet nevertheless, as the law and the church see it, guilty of sin andcrime. But the truth, none-the-less, is that they do exist in the human heart, law or no law, religion or noreligion, and in scores of cases they motivate the actions of the victims. And we admit that they motivated theactions of Clyde Griffiths.
　　"But did he kill Roberta Alden?
　　"No!
　　"And again, no!
　　"Or did he plot in any way, half-heartedly or otherwise, to drag her up there under the guise of various aliasesand then, because she would not set him free, drown her? Ridiculous! Impossible! Insane! His plan was completely and entirely different.
　　"But, gentlemen," and here he suddenly paused as though a new or overlooked thought had just come to him,"perhaps you would be better satisfied with my argument and the final judgment you are to render if you were tohave the testimony of one eye-witness at least of Roberta Alden's death--one who, instead of just hearing a voice,was actually present, and who saw and hence knows how she met her death."He now looked at Jephson as much as to say: Now, Reuben, at last, here we are! And Reuben, turning to Clyde,easily and yet with iron in his every motion, whispered: "Well, here we are, Clyde, it's up to you now. Only I'mgoing along with you, see? I've decided to examine you myself. I've drilled and drilled you, and I guess youwon't have any trouble in telling me, will you?" He beamed on Clyde genially and encouragingly, and Clyde,because of Belknap's strong plea as well as this newest and best development in connection with Jephson, nowstood up and with almost a jaunty air, and one out of all proportion to his mood of but four hours before, nowwhispered: "Gee! I'm glad you're going to do it. I'll be all right now, I think."But in the meantime the audience, hearing that an actual eye-witness was to be produced, and not by theprosecution but the defense, was at once upon its feet, craning and stirring. And Justice Oberwaltzer, irritated toan exceptional degree by the informality characteristic of this trial, was now rapping with his gavel while hisclerk cried loudly: "Order! Order! Unless everybody is seated, all spectators will be dismissed! The deputies willplease see that all are seated." And then a hushed and strained silence falling as Belknap called: "Clyde Griffiths,take the witness chair." And the audience--seeing to its astonishment, Clyde, accompanied by Reuben Jephson,making his way forward--straining and whispering in spite of all the gruff commands of the judge and thebailiffs. And even Belknap, as he saw Jephson approaching, being a little astonished, since it was he whoaccording to the original plan was to have led Clyde through his testimony. But now Jephson drawing near tohim as Clyde was being seated and sworn, merely whispered: "Leave him to me, Alvin, I think it's best. He looksa little too strained and shaky to suit me, but I feel sure I can pull him through."And then the audience noting the change and whispering in regard to it. And Clyde, his large nervous eyesturning here and there, thinking: Well, I'm on the witness stand at last. And now everybody's watching me, ofcourse. I must look very calm, like I didn't care so very much, because I didn't really kill her. That's right, Ididn't. Yet his skin blue and the lids of his eyes red and puffy and his hands trembling slightly in spite of himself.
　　And Jephson, his long, tensile and dynamic body like that of a swaying birch, turning toward him and lookingfixedly into Clyde's brown eyes with his blue ones, beginning:
　　"Now, Clyde, the first thing we want to do is make sure that the jury and every one else hears our questions andanswers. And next, when you're all set, you're going to begin with your life as you remember it--where you wereborn, where you came from, what your father did and your mother, too, and finally, what you did and why, fromthe time you went to work until now. I may interrupt you with a few questions now and then, but in the main I'mgoing to let you tell it, because I know you can tell it better than any one." Yet in order to reassure Clyde and tomake him know each moment that he was there--a wall, a bulwark, between him and the eager, straining,unbelieving and hating crowd--he now drew nearer, at times so close as to put one foot on the witness stand, or ifnot that to lean forward and lay a hand on the arm of the chair in which Clyde sat. And all the while saying,"Yay-uss--Yay-uss." "And then what?" "And then?" And invariably at the strong and tonic or protective sound ofhis voice Clyde stirring as with a bolstering force and finding himself able, and without shaking or quavering, to tell the short but straitened story of his youth.
　　"I was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. My parents were conducting a mission there at that time and used tohold open air meetings. . ."
第二十三章
转天早上八点钟,出现在报摊上的各大城市的报纸,用最鲜明的大字标题昭示天下:
对格里菲思一案提起公诉
以大量惊人的罪证结束
谋杀动机和手法现已铁证如山
死者头脸部分伤痕
与照相机边棱完全吻合
宣读已故女儿书信时
其母闻后当场为之昏厥
由于梅森根据严谨的逻辑性进行论辩,发言时又富于惊人的戏剧性,顿时使贝尔纳普、杰夫森和克莱德心里都感到:他们已经彻底给打垮了,现在怎么也想不出什么绝招来,让陪审团相信克莱德不是一个彻头彻尾的坏蛋.
大家都为梅森论辩时所运用的那种高明手法而向他纷纷祝贺.可是克莱德呢,他一想到,昨天发生的那些事情,他母亲都会看到的,不由得十分泄气,伤心透顶.他非得请杰夫森打电报给她,关照她——还有弗兰克、朱丽娅和爱思德——切莫相信.这些新闻报道,毫无疑问,今天桑德拉也在读,可是,经过这么多的白天黑夜,她却连一个字眼儿都没捎来过!报上只是偶尔提到了一位某某小姐,但从来没有刊登过一篇有关她本人的真实写照.有钱的人家能为你做的就是这样了.就在今天,被告一方及其律师开始进行辩护了.他就得以独一无二、至关重要的见证人身份出庭.可他反躬自问,叫他又能怎么样呢?那些听众呀.他们肚里有一股子气呀.如今,他们那种不信赖他和敌视他的态度,使他心里多么惴惴不安啊.而且在贝尔纳普盘问过他以后,就挨到梅森了.贝尔纳普和杰夫森,当然罗,觉得没有什么了不起的.他们并没有碰到受折磨的危险,可他,毫无疑问,面临着受折磨啊.
他忧心忡忡地在牢房里跟杰夫森、贝尔纳普在一起打发过去了一个钟头后,终于又被押上了法庭,这个难以形容的陪审团和十分好奇的观众,眼睛始终紧盯着他.这时,贝尔纳普站了起来,神情严肃地扫了陪审团一眼以后,才开了腔说:"先生们!大约在三个星期以前,地方检察官对你们说过,他坚持认为,根据他将要提出的证据,你们这些陪审员先生一定会承认被告席上的人确实犯了起诉时控告他的罪行.从那时起延续到今天,是一个冗长乏味的诉讼程序.甚至连一个十五六岁的男孩的每一件无心、无辜的行为,在列位先生面前通通论证过了,好象这一切就是一个冷酷无情的囚犯干下的一样,其用意,显然,是要你们对被告怀有敌意.可是,这位被告,除了在堪萨斯城仅仅有过一起被歪曲的意外事故以外——它可以说是我开业以来不幸碰到的一起最最粗暴、野蛮地被歪曲了的意外事故——可以说他是一向过着那么纯洁、精力旺盛、无懈可击和天真无邪的生活,跟普天下与他同龄的孩子们的生活一模一样.你们已经听到,有人把他说成是一个成年男子——一个长了胡子的成年男子——一个罪犯,一个从地狱里喷薄而出、最最阴险、存心作恶的妖孽.可他总共才不过二十一岁.此刻,他就坐在列位面前.而我敢大胆说,所有那些惨无人道的思想情绪,都是喜欢大肆喧闹的、认识错误的、而且我还可以说是(如果我没有受到警告,不准这么说的话)怀有政治偏见的原告一方及其律师强加给我所辩护的当事人身上的,所以,如果说我此时此刻可以凭借具有魔术一般的语言,在你们列位面前,把它们的实质内容一层层剥开来,那末,你们再也不可能用现在那种眼光来看待他,就象你们不可能离开座位,从这些窗子里飞出去一样.
"陪审团的先生们,毫无疑问,你们,还有地方检察官,甚至于所有列席听众,一定感到奇怪:在这一大堆环环相扣,有时几乎是很恶毒的证词有如倾盆大雨似的袭来之后,我本人,或是我的同事,或是这位被告,怎么还能始终如一地神色不动,奉然自若哩."(说到这里,他威风凛凛地朝他的那位正静候着自己出场时刻的同事挥挥手)"不过,正如你们所见到的那样,我们不仅保持着一种宁静,而且还享受到它的乐趣,要知道这种宁静只有这些人才有,他们不但感觉到,而且还深深知道,在法律面前进行任何争论中,他们是有着正确的、正义的目标.当然,你们一定会想到那位艾冯河上的诗人所说的话——'他理直气壮,好比是披着三重盔甲.'①
①此处指英国大诗人威廉·莎士比亚.因莎翁诞生于英国艾冯河上的斯特拉特福.引文详见莎翁名剧《亨利六世》中篇第三幕第二场,中译本《莎士比亚全集》第6卷,第167页,人民文学出版社出版.
"事实上,我们都很清楚,可惜本案原告及其律师却并不知道在这姑娘戏剧性的、极端不幸的惨死时那些稀奇古怪而又始料所不及的情况.而你们了解以后,自己就会对此作出判断来的.现在,请允许我告诉你们,列位先生,自从本案开审以来,我一直相信,即使不是根据我们打算对这一令人沮丧的悲剧所作出的解释,你们列位先生也压根儿不会相信这个被告真的犯了这种残忍的或是兽性的罪行.你们不可能相信的!因为,说到底,爱情是爱情,男女任何一方热恋的方式,以及毁火一切的爱情冲动,是跟普通犯人不能相提并论.只要记住:我们过去也都是小伙子呗.你们这些成年妇女,从前也都做过姑娘的,谅必你们很了解——哦,一定了解得很透啊——年轻人那种狂热劲儿和失恋后的痛苦,同以后的实际生活都是毫无关系的.'你们不要论断人,免得你们被论断.你们用什么量器量给人,也必用什么量器量给你们.'①
①引自《圣经·新约·马太福音》第7章第1、2节.
"我们承认是有这么一位神秘的某某小姐:她的那些书信(恕我们不能在这里向列位出示)、她的姿色,还有她以爱情的巨大魅力给予这位被告的种种影响.我们承认他是爱这位某某小姐的.而且,我们准备通过我们自己的见证人,同时对你们已在这里听过的一些证词进行分析,从而证明:这位被告使用狡猾、淫荡的手法,引诱那个可爱的姑娘——正如我们将要加以说明的,她是纯属意外事故而惨遭身亡的——背离了道德这条正路.不过,被告使用的这些手法,跟任何一个年轻人可能使用的相比,也许并不怎么过分,因为这个年轻人发现他所心爱的姑娘四周围,净是这样一些人,他们只会用极端严峻、极端狭隘的道德框框来看待人生的.再说,列位先生,正如你们的地方检察官对你们说过的,罗伯达·奥尔登是爱克莱德·格里菲思的.在这种后来终于酿成悲剧的关系中,这位已故的姑娘一开始就深深地、始终不渝地爱着他,正如他当时也自以为是爱着她的.凡是深挚相爱的人,对于旁观者的意见,都是不大关心的.反正他们是在倾心相爱——这也就心满意足了!
"不过,列位先生!这个问题,我并不打算象我们想要向你们所作的这种解释那样,用更多的时间来一段段谈了.那末,克莱德·格里菲思到底为什么要去方达,或是去尤蒂卡,或是去草湖,或是去大比腾呢?你们以为我们有什么理由,或是有什么企图,要把他跟罗伯达·奥尔登结伴同行一事,加以否认,或是多少给予冲淡吗?还有,在她死得这么突然,死得似乎奇怪而又神秘之后,他果真仓皇逃跑,当时他的动机,难道说我们也想加以隐瞒吗?要是你们确实有过这样想法,哪怕是只有一刹那,那也意味着,从我开业以来跟陪审团打交道的整整二十七个年头里,能在你们这些受骗、误解到了不可救药地步的十二位陪审员面前辩论,实属无上荣幸了.
"先生们,我们跟你们列位说过,克莱德·格里菲思是无罪的——这是千真万确的.也许你们以为我们自己一定相信他是犯了罪的.可是你们全错了.生活里经常有这么稀奇古怪的事,有时候一个人可能被人指控,说他做过某一件事,其实,他压根儿没有做过,可在当时,他周围的每一个证据,却好象证实他是做过了的.众所周知,过去就有过许许多多非常悲惨、非常可怕的、被错判了的案例,就是因为法庭仅仅根据间接的旁证.这可要千万小心!啊,要千万千万小心呀.别让那些根据纯属某一个地区、某一种宗教或道德对人的举止言谈、癖好倾向所持的观点而作出的错误判断,同时由于假想中似乎驳不倒的证据,使你们列位产生偏见.这样一来,即使你们本无此意,而且明明还怀有最美好、最崇高的心愿,却照样会在这里发现了罪行,或是发现有犯罪的意图,可是,从实际上来说也好,从法律上来说也好,在这个被告思想里或是行为上,倒是既没有犯过这样的罪行,也没有要犯这种罪行的意图.啊,这可要千万小心!要千万千万小心呀!"
说到这里,他顿住了一会儿,好象自己立时陷入深邃甚至可以说是忧郁的沉思之中.而克莱德因受到这些精明而又大胆的开场白的鼓舞,似乎也勇气倍增了.反正现在,贝尔纳普又开始说下去了,克莱德非得仔细地听着——如此给人撑腰壮胆的话,一个字儿也不能漏掉啊.
"罗伯达·奥尔登的尸体从大比腾湖里打捞上来以后,列位先生,一位医生马上就检验过了.当时,这位医生就承认,这个姑娘是溺水身亡的.他要来这里出庭作证.这一证词对被告是有好处的,所以你们列位先生得仔细听听.
"地方检察官对你们说,罗伯达·奥尔登和克莱德·格里菲思是已经订过婚的.还说她在七月六号离开比尔茨老家,是跟他一起旅行结婚去的.不过,列位先生,对某些情况稍加歪曲,那可是易如反掌.'已经订过婚的'——这是地方检察官用来重点说明后来终于导致七月六号离家那件事的.但事实上,一丁点儿都没有任何直接证据足以说明:克莱德·格里菲思和罗伯达·奥尔登正式订过婚,或是说明他是同意跟她结婚的,除了她信里那些话以外.而她在信里的那些话,列位先生,清清楚楚地说明:他之所以同意跟她结婚,仅仅是因为她有了身孕,使他在道德上、物质上感到非常担心——当然罗,他对她怀孕一事是负有责任的.不过,尽管如此,双方——一个是二十一岁的男孩,一个是二十三岁的姑娘——还是同意了的——只是在这种担心的压力之下,他才同意跟她结婚的.现在,我就请问你们,难道说这是一种公开的、正常的订婚吗?难道说这是你们心目中的那种订婚的真正含义吗?请你们注意,我说什么也不想嘲笑、贬低,或是玷污这个已故的可怜姑娘.我只不过是说明,不管是从事实来说也好,从法律上来说也好,这个男孩并没有跟这个已故的姑娘正式订过婚.他事前并没有答应过她,说要跟她结婚……从来也没有答应过!什么证据都没有.这一点对他是有利的,你们必须承认.只是由于她有了身孕(关于这一点,我们承认,他是负有责任的),他这才同意跟她结婚,如果说……如果说,"(说到这里,贝尔纳普顿住了一会儿,才着重说了这一句话)"她不愿意给他自由的话.后来,正如刚才念过的那些信所表明的,她不愿意给他自由,他深怕在莱柯格斯一被揭发,张扬出去,这才不得不表示同意,结果在地方检察官的眼里和话里却变成了订婚,不仅这样,而且还变成了——只有无赖、小偷、杀人犯才敢撕毁的神圣的订婚!可是,列位先生,过去世界上有过许许多多订婚,从法律和宗教观点来看,可以说是更开放、更神圣的了,但照样也都毁约了.千千万万的男男女女,眼看着他们感情变了,他们的山盟海誓全给忘了,他们甚至把创伤埋藏到自己灵魂深处,或是因此毁于自己的双手,视死如归.正如地方检察官发言时所说的那样,这并不新鲜,但也永远不会过时.永远不会!"不过,我得警告你们,此刻摆在你们面前需要审处的,正是这么一件案子:已故的姑娘已成为被告感情变化以后的牺牲品.不过,尽管在道德上或是在社会上来说它可能是罪孽深重,但在法律上并不构成犯罪行为.而且,仅仅是因为跟这个姑娘之死有关的一些稀奇古怪、错综复杂到了几乎令人难以置信、但又是完全被误解了的情况,这位被告这才会在此时此刻被押到了你们列位面前.这事我可以发誓担保.我真的知道这是千真万确的.在本案了结以前,这事一定能够充分解释清楚,包管你们列位完全满意.
"可是,同前面这段话有关,还得另加一段说明,作为下面提到的许多事情的引语.
"陪审团的列位先生,眼前在这里受审、他的性命操在你们手里的这个人,在思想上、道德上说,是个地地道道的懦夫,而决不是一个彻头彻尾的惨无人道的罪犯.跟许多人身陷险境时毫无二致,他是思想上、道德上的恐惧情结的牺牲品.为什么呢?这一点,迄今还没有人能作出应有的解释.我们每个人都有各自感到害怕的东西.不是别的,正是懦弱和恐惧这两种特性,才使他身陷目前险境.正是由于怯懦,列位先生——害怕他伯父厂里的厂规,害怕他自己向上司作出过的保证,这才使他先是把他对自己手下打工的这位漂亮的乡下姑娘很感兴趣这一事实掩盖起来.到后来,又把他跟她有交往这一事实掩盖起来.
"不过,这也绝对谈不上有任何触犯法律的罪行.不管你们私下会有什么想法,但你们决不能单凭这一点就审问一个人.后来,他深信过去自己似乎一直珍爱的关系,如今再也不能继续跟她保持下去了,这时,正是那种思想上、道德上的怯懦,列位先生,使他没法一吐为快地说:他既不可能,也不愿意跟她继续交往,更不用说跟她结婚了.可是,请问你们会不会仅仅因为他是恐惧心理的牺牲品就判他死刑呢?要知道,说到底,要是一个男人一旦真的认定他对某个女人再也忍受不了(或者反过来说,一个女人对某个男人再也忍受不了,这也是一样道理),觉得跟她一起过日子,简直就是活受罪,那你们要这个人究竟怎么办呢?跟她结婚?图的是什么呢?难道说让他们在婚后永远互相憎恨、鄙视、受折磨吗?你们能不能说句良心话,说你们赞成把它当作一条规矩,或是一种办法,或是一条法令?可是,从被告的观点来看,在现有情况之下,他是尽力而为,做了一件真正明智,而又非常公道的事.他提出了一个建议,只是不结婚——天哪,可惜没有成功.他又建议两人分居,靠他工作来赡养她,她呢住到另一个地方去.昨天在法庭上念过的罗伯达那些信,就提到过这些问题.但是,遗憾得很,本来最好不要做的事,往往由于一个劲儿坚持而导致悲剧,这类事例实在是多得很!接下来就是时间较长的最后一次,为了说服她,才去尤蒂卡、草湖、大比腾旅行的.但全都没有达到目的.不过,绝对没有蓄意谋害她或是将她陷害致死.这样的意图,连一丁点儿都没有.原因是什么,我们将会向你们说明.
"列位先生,我再一次强调,正是由于思想上和道德上的怯懦,而决不是什么存心想要犯罪的阴谋计划,促使克莱德·格里菲思和罗伯达·奥尔登一块去刚才我说过上述各地旅行时编造了好几个假名字,因此,他不得不写成'卡尔·格雷厄姆夫妇','克利福德·戈尔登夫妇'.在他追求她,最后放纵自己、跟她发生了这么一种亵渎神明关系后,他在思想上、道德上害怕自己早已铸成大错,罪孽深重,因而他对随之而来的后果,在思想上、道德上都感到非常害怕.
"再说,在大比腾,当罗伯达在湖上意外地惨遭灭顶之灾后,又是思想上和道德上的怯懦,使他没有回到大比腾旅社去,报告她溺水身亡的消息.是地地道道思想上和道德上的怯懦啊.当时他心里想到了他在莱柯格斯的那些有钱的亲戚和他们的厂规,而他跟这个姑娘一块到湖上来,正说明他违反了厂规;同时,他还想到了他父母的痛苦、羞耻和愤怒.此外,还有那位某某小姐——在他梦里金光闪亮的星座中最耀眼的一颗明星.
"这一切我们全都承认.而且我们还完全愿意退一步这么说:当时他正在想的,或是必定一直在想的,就是这些事情.正如原告及其律师一方所控告的(这我们也承认是事实),他已被这位某某小姐完全迷住了,同样,她也被他完全迷住了,所以,他不仅乐意,而且还恨不得把那个委身于他的第一个情人甩掉,因为那位某某小姐由于她的姿色和她的财富,在他眼里似乎显得更加妩媚动人——正如他在罗伯达·奥尔登心目中似乎比别人更加富于魅力一样.如果说罗伯达·奥尔登把他看错了——很清楚,她确实是看错了——那么,他会不会——会不会也把他如痴似狂地追求着的另一位小姐看错了呢?到最后,那位小姐——有谁说得准呢?——也许并不是那么疼爱他呢?总而言之,他本人对我们——他的辩护律师——坦白地说过,那时他最大的担心是:这位某某小姐只要一知道他跟另一个他从来没有听说过的姑娘一起到过湖上去,那就意味着,这位某某小姐给他的青睐也到此为止了.
"我知道,列位先生,按照你们的看法,对这类行为是没有什么可以原谅的.一个人也许会成为两种不正当情感内部斗争的牺牲品,可是,从法律和教会的观点来看,他是造了孽,犯了罪的.不过话又说回来,这是万古不变的真理:讲法律也好,不讲法律也好,讲宗教也好,不讲宗教也好,在人们心里,这种情感冲突确实存在着,而且,在许多案子中还主宰着牺牲者的行动.我们承认,这两种情感确实主宰过克莱德·格里菲思的行动.
"但是他有没有杀害罗伯达·奥尔登呢?
"没有!
"再说一遍,没有!
"或者说,他有没有用任何办法,不管是迟疑不决也好,还是什么怯懦也好,编造一些假名字,把她拖到湖上去,后来因为她不愿意给他自由,这才把她活活地淹死呢?岂不是可笑!这是不可能的!简直是发疯了!他的计划完全不是这样的."可是,列位先生,"说到这里,他突然顿了一会儿,好象他猛地寻摸到一个新的、稍纵即逝的想法."可是你们至少也得听一听罗伯达·奥尔登死时一个目击者的证词——这个见证人不光听到一个呼喊声,而且压根儿就在那儿,亲眼目睹她是怎样死去的,因此也最了解她是怎样死去的——那末,你们对我的论据和你们将要作出的最后判断,也许会感到更加满意了."
这时,他看了看杰夫森,仿佛是在说:你看,鲁本,好容易等到了!于是,鲁本向克莱德转过脸去,神态从容自若,但每一个动作都象钢铁般坚强有力,低声耳语道:"得了,克莱德,这会儿全看你的啦.不过,我是跟你同进退的,明白吧?我决定亲自审问你.我一次又一次地跟你排练过,我想,我提问,你回答,大概不会有什么困难,是吧?"他和蔼可亲地、颇有鼓气作用地眉开眼笑,直瞅着克莱德.克莱德由于贝尔纳普强有力的辩护,加上刚才杰夫森这一最新、最佳的决定,就站了起来,几乎再也不愁眉苦脸了(四个钟头以前,他远没有这么好的心境),低声说:"敢情好啊!由您亲自出马,我很高兴.我想,现在我没有什么可怕的了."
但在这时,全场听众一听说有一个真的亲眼目睹过的见证人要出庭(何况不是代表原告一方的,而是代表被告一方的),马上都纷纷站了起来,伸长了脖子颈,开始骚动起来.奥伯沃泽法官一见这次开庭审判,听众如此随随便便,不拘礼法而感到特别恼火,就使劲儿不断敲他的小木锤.与此同时,他手下的那个录事也高声嚷道:"遵守秩序!遵守秩序!大家都坐好,否则列席旁听的人一律退出去!请庭警维持全场秩序."随后,贝尔纳普大声喊道:"传克莱德·格里菲思,上证人席."全场在一片紧张气氛中顿时肃静下来.听众们一看克莱德在鲁本·杰夫森陪同下登上了证人席,不由得大吃一惊,就不顾法官和庭警的厉声呵斥,又开始紧张不安地窃窃私语起来.甚至连贝尔纳普一看见杰夫森走过来,不觉也有点儿惊诧.要知道,按照原定计划,克莱德作证时是由他来主审的.但在克莱德就座宣誓时,杰夫森凑到贝尔纳普跟前,低声说:"把他交给我吧,阿尔文,依我看恐怕这样更好.看来他有点儿太紧张,两手也抖得够呛;不过,我准能让他度过这一难关."
全场听众也注意到辩护律师已给换了,对此纷纷窃窃私语起来.克莱德那一双惴惴不安的大眼睛在东张西望,心想:你们瞧,最后我终于登上证人席了.现在,当然罗,谁都在察看我.我可一定要保持非常镇静,仿佛满不在乎的样子,因为,说真的,我并没有害死她呀!我并没有害死她,这是千真万确的.可他还是脸色发青,眼皮红肿,两只手禁不住微微颤抖.杰夫森高大、坚韧、充满活力的身躯,象一棵微微摆动的白桦树,朝他转了过去,一双蓝眼睛直盯住克莱德的棕色眼睛.这位辩护律师开了腔说:
"得了,克莱德,首先,我们的一问一答,务必要让陪审团和这儿大厅里的每一个人都能听得清清楚楚.接下来,你准备好了以后,先从你记得的自己的身世谈起——你是生在哪儿,是从什么地方来的,你父亲,还有你母亲,都是干什么的;最后,你干过什么行当,为了什么,就从你开始谋生谈起,一直谈到现在.也许我有时候会打断你的话,插进来问你几个问题.不过,基本上,我就是让你自己讲,因为我知道,这一切你准能讲得比谁都更清楚."不过,为了给克莱德壮壮胆,让他每时每刻都记住辩护律师一直在场——是一堵墙,一座堡垒,隔在他与那紧张不安、不相信他和仇恨他的听众之间——杰夫森就站得更加靠拢他,有时甚至近得可以把一只脚伸到证人席上了.要不然,他就俯身向前,一只手搭在克莱德坐的椅子扶手上,并且老是念念有词地说:"是——啊——是——啊""那么后来呢?""后来又怎么样呢?"他那种坚定、亢奋的庇护的声音,总是给予克莱德一股支持的力量,使他能身子不抖索、话音不嗫嚅地讲述了他那短暂而穷困的少年时代.
"我生在密执安州大瀑布.那时,我父母在那里办一个传道馆,常在街头向过往行人布道……"
回复 引用 新鲜事
顶端
司凌。

ZxID：9742737

2429874鲜花 36鸡蛋

等级: 派派版主
配偶: 此微夜
原名：独爱穿越。
举报 只看该作者 91楼  发表于: 2013-10-25 0

Part 3 Chapter 24
Clyde's testimony proceeded to the point where the family had removed from Quincy, Illinois (a place resorted toon account of some Salvation Army work offered his father and mother), to Kansas City, where from his twelfthto his fifteenth year he had browsed about trying to find something to do while still resenting the combination ofschool and religious work expected of him.
　　"Were you up with your classes in the public schools?""No, sir. We had moved too much.""In what grade were you when you were twelve years old?""Well, I should have been in the seventh but I was only in the sixth. That's why I didn't like it.""And how about the religious work of your parents?""Well, it was all right--only I never did like going out nights on the street corners."And so on, through five-and-ten cent store, soda and newspaper carrier jobs, until at last he was a bell-hop at theGreen- Davidson, the finest hotel in Kansas City, as he informed them.
　　"But now, Clyde," proceeded Jephson who, fearful lest Mason on the cross-examination and in connection withClyde's credibility as a witness should delve into the matter of the wrecked car and the slain child in Kansas Cityand so mar the effect of the story he was now about to tell, was determined to be beforehand in this. Decidedly,by questioning him properly he could explain and soften all that, whereas if left to Mason it could be torturedinto something exceedingly dark indeed. And so now he continued:
　　"And how long did you work there?""A little over a year.""And why did you leave?""Well, it was on account of an accident.""What kind of an accident?"And here Clyde, previously prepared and drilled as to all this plunged into the details which led up to andincluded the death of the little girl and his flight--which Mason, true enough, had been intending to bring up. But,now, as he listened to all this, he merely shook his head and grunted ironically, "He'd better go into all that," hecommented. And Jephson, sensing the import of what he was doing--how most likely he was, as he would havephrased it, "spiking" one of Mr. Mason's best guns, continued with:
　　"How old were you then, Clyde, did you say?""Between seventeen and eighteen.""And do you mean to tell me," he continued, after he had finished with all of the questions he could think of inconnection with all this, "that you didn't know that you might have gone back there, since you were not the onewho took the car, and after explaining it all, been paroled in the custody of your parents?""Object!" shouted Mason. "There's no evidence here to show that he could have returned to Kansas City andbeen paroled in the custody of his parents.""Objection sustained!" boomed the judge from his high throne. "The defense will please confine itself a littlemore closely to the letter of the testimony.""Exception," noted Belknap, from his seat.
　　"No, sir. I didn't know that," replied Clyde, just the same.
　　"Anyhow was that the reason after you got away that you changed your name to Tenet as you told me?"continued Jephson.
　　"Yes, sir.""By the way, just where did you get that name of Tenet, Clyde?""It was the name of a boy I used to play with in Quincy.""Was he a good boy?""Object!" called Mason, from his chair. "Incompetent, immaterial, irrelevant.""Oh, he might have associated with a good boy in spite of what you would like to have the jury believe, and inthat sense it is very relevant," sneered Jephson.
　　"Objection sustained!" boomed Justice Oberwaltzer.
　　"But didn't it occur to you at the time that he might object or that you might be doing him an injustice in using his name to cover the identity of a fellow who was running away?""No, sir--I thought there were lots of Tenets."An indulgent smile might have been expected at this point, but so antagonistic and bitter was the general publictoward Clyde that such levity was out of the question in this courtroom.
　　"Now listen, Clyde," continued Jephson, having, as he had just seen, failed to soften the mood of the throng,"you cared for your mother, did you?--or didn't you?"Objection and argument finally ending in the question being allowed.
　　"Yes, sir, certainly I cared for her," replied Clyde--but after a slight hesitancy which was noticeable--a tighteningof the throat and a swelling and sinking of the chest as he exhaled and inhaled.
　　"Much?""Yes, sir--much." He didn't venture to look at any one now.
　　"Hadn't she always done as much as she could for you, in her way?""Yes, sir.""Well, then, Clyde, how was it, after all that, and even though that dreadful accident had occurred, you could runaway and stay away so long without so much as one word to tell her that you were by no means as guilty as youseemed and that she shouldn't worry because you were working and trying to be a good boy again?""But I did write her--only I didn't sign my name.""I see. Anything else?""Yes, sir. I sent her a little money. Ten dollars once.""But you didn't think of going back at all?""No, sir. I was afraid that if I went back they might arrest me.""In other words," and here Jephson emphasized this with great clearness, "you were a moral and mental coward,as Mr. Belknap, my colleague, said.""I object to this interpretation of this defendant's testimony for the benefit of the jury!" interrupted Mason.
　　"This defendant's testimony really needs no interpretation. It is very plain and honest, as any one can see,"quickly interjected Jephson.
　　"Objection sustained!" called the judge. "Proceed. Proceed.""And it was because you were a moral and mental coward as I see it, Clyde--not that I am condemning you foranything that you cannot help. (After all, you didn't make yourself, did you?)"But this was too much, and the judge here cautioned him to use more discretion in framing his future questions.
　　"Then you went about in Alton, Peoria, Bloomington, Milwaukee, and Chicago--hiding away in small rooms inback streets and working as a dishwasher or soda fountain man, or a driver, and changing your name to Tenetwhen you really might have gone back to Kansas City and resumed your old place?" continued Jephson.
　　"I object! I object!" yelled Mason. "There is no evidence here to show that he could have gone there and resumedhis old place.""Objection sustained," ruled Oberwaltzer, although at the time in Jephson's pocket was a letter from Francis X.
　　Squires, formerly captain of the bell-hops of the Green-Davidson at the time Clyde was there, in which heexplained that apart from the one incident in connection with the purloined automobile, he knew nothingderogatory to Clyde; and that always previously, he had found him prompt, honest, willing, alert and well-mannered. Also that at the time the accident occurred, he himself had been satisfied that Clyde could have beenlittle else than one of those led and that if he had returned and properly explained matters he would have beenreinstated. It was irrelevant.
　　Thereafter followed Clyde's story of how, having fled from the difficulties threatening him in Kansas City andhaving wandered here and there for two years, he had finally obtained a place in Chicago as a driver and later asa bell-boy at the Union League, and also how while still employed at the first of these places he had written hismother and later at her request was about to write his uncle, when, accidentally meeting him at the UnionLeague, he was invited by him to come to Lycurgus. And thereupon, in their natural order, followed all of thedetails, of how he had gone to work, been promoted and instructed by his cousin and the foreman as to thevarious rules, and then later how he had met Roberta and still later Miss X. But in between came all the details asto how and why he had courted Roberta Alden, and how and why, having once secured her love he felt andthought himself content--but how the arrival of Miss X, and her overpowering fascination for him, had servedcompletely to change all his notions in regard to Roberta, and although he still admired her, caused him to feelthat never again as before could he desire to marry her.
　　But Jephson, anxious to divert the attention of the jury from the fact that Clyde was so very fickle--a fact tootrying to be so speedily introduced into the case--at once interposed with:
　　"Clyde! You really loved Roberta Alden at first, didn't you?""Yes, sir.""Well, then, you must have known, or at least you gathered from her actions, from the first, didn't you, that shewas a perfectly good and innocent and religious girl.""Yes, sir, that's how I felt about her," replied Clyde, repeating what he had been told to say.
　　"Well, then, just roughly now, without going into detail, do you suppose you could explain to yourself and thisjury how and why and where and when those changes came about which led to that relationship which we all ofus" (and here he looked boldly and wisely and coldly out over the audience and then afterwards upon the jurors)"deplore. How was it, if you thought so highly of her at first that you could so soon afterwards descend to thisevil relationship? Didn't you know that all men, and all women also, view it as wrong, and outside of marriageunforgivable--a statutory crime?"The boldness and ironic sting of this was sufficient to cause at first a hush, later a slight nervous tremor on thepart of the audience which, Mason as well as Justice Oberwaltzer noting, caused both to frown apprehensively.
　　Why, this brazen young cynic! How dared he, via innuendo and in the guise of serious questioning, intrude sucha thought as this, which by implication at least picked at the very foundations of society--religious and moral! Atthe same time there he was, standing boldly and leoninely, the while Clyde replied:
　　"Yes, sir, I suppose I did--certainly--but I didn't try to seduce her at first or at any time, really. I was in love withher.""You were in love with her?""Yes, sir.""Very much?""Very much.""And was she as much in love with you at that time?""Yes, sir, she was.""From the very first?""From the very first.""She told you so?""Yes, sir.""At the time she left the Newtons--you have heard all the testimony here in regard to that--did you induce or seekto induce her in any way, by any trick or agreement, to leave there?""No, sir, I didn't. She wanted to leave there of her own accord. She wanted me to help her find a place.""She wanted you to help her find a place?""Yes, sir.""And just why?""Because she didn't know the city very well and she thought maybe I could tell her where there was a nice roomshe could get--one that she could afford.""And did you tell her about the room she took at the Gilpins'?""No, sir, I didn't. I never told her about any room. She found it herself." (This was the exact answer he hadmemorized.)"But why didn't you help her?""Because I was busy, days and most evenings. And besides I thought she knew better what she wanted than Idid--the kind of people and all.""Did you personally ever see the Gilpin place before she went there?""No, sir.""Ever have any discussion with her before she moved there as to the kind of a room she was to take--its positionas regards to entrance, exit, privacy, or anything of that sort?""No, sir, I never did.""Never insisted, for instance, that she take a certain type of room which you could slip in and out of at night orby day without being seen?""I never did. Besides, no one could very well slip in or out of that house without being seen.""And why not?""Because the door to her room was right next to the door to the general front entrance where everybody went inand out and anybody that was around could see." That was another answer he had memorized.
　　"But you slipped in and out, didn't you?""Well, yes, sir--that is, we both decided from the first that the less we were seen together anywhere, the better.""On account of that factory rule?""Yes, sir--on account of that factory rule."And then the story of his various difficulties with Roberta, due to Miss X coming into his life.
　　"Now, Clyde, we will have to go into the matter of this Miss X a little. Because of an agreement between thedefense and the prosecution which you gentlemen of the jury fully understand, we can only touch on thisincidentally, since it all concerns an entirely innocent person whose real name can be of no service here anyhow.
　　But some of the facts must be touched upon, although we will deal with them as light as possible, as much forthe sake of the innocent living as the worthy dead. And I am sure Miss Alden would have it so if she were alive.
　　But now in regard to Miss X," he continued, turning to Clyde, "it is already agreed by both sides that you met herin Lycurgus some time in November or December of last year. That is correct, is it not?""Yes, sir, that is correct," replied Clyde, sadly.
　　"And that at once you fell very much in love with her?""Yes, sir. That's true.""She was rich?""Yes, sir.""Beautiful?
　　"I believe it is admitted by all that she is," he said to the court in general without requiring or anticipating a replyfrom Clyde, yet the latter, so thoroughly drilled had he been, now replied: "Yes, sir.""Had you two--yourself and Miss Alden, I mean--at that time when you first met Miss X already established thatillicit relationship referred to?""Yes, sir.""Well, now, in view of all that--but no, one moment, there is something else I want to ask you first--now, let mesee--at the time that you first met this Miss X you were still in love with Roberta Alden, were you--or were younot?""I was still in love with her--yes, sir.""You had not, up to that time at least, in any way become weary of her? Or had you?""No, sir. I had not.""Her love and her companionship were just as precious and delightful to you as ever?""Yes, sir, they were."And as Clyde said that, he was thinking back and it seemed to him that what he had just said was really true. Itwas true that just before meeting Sondra he was actually at the zenith of content and delight with Roberta.
　　"And what, if any, were your plans for your future with Miss Alden--before you met this Miss X? You musthave thought at times of that, didn't you?""Well, not exactly," (and as he said this he licked his lips in sheer nervousness). "You see, I never had any realplan to do anything--that is, to do anything that wasn't quite right with her. And neither did she, of course. Wejust drifted kinda, from the first. It was being alone there so much, maybe. She hadn't taken up with anybody yetand I hadn't either. And then there was that rule that kept me from taking her about anywhere, and once we weretogether, of course we just went on without thinking very much about it, I suppose--either of us.""You just drifted because nothing had happened as yet and you didn't suppose anything would. Is that the way?""No, sir. I mean, yes, sir. That's the way it was." Clyde was very eager to get those much-rehearsed and veryimportant answers, just right.
　　"But you must have thought of something--one or both of you. You were twenty-one and she was twenty-three.""Yes, sir. I suppose we did--I suppose I did think of something now and then.""And what was it that you thought? Can you recollect?""Well, yes, sir. I suppose I can. That is, I know that I did think at times that if things went all right and I made alittle more money and she got a place somewhere else, that I would begin taking her out openly, and thenafterwards maybe, if she and I kept on caring for each other as we did then, marry her, maybe.""You actually thought of marrying her then, did you?""Yes, sir. I know I did in the way that I've said, of course.""But that was before you met this Miss X?""Yes, sir, that was before that."("Beautifully done!" observed Mason, sarcastically, under his breath to State Senator Redmond. "Excellent stageplay," replied Redmond in a stage whisper.)"But did you ever tell her in so many words?" continued Jephson.
　　"Well, no, sir. I don't recall that I did--not just in so many words.""You either told her or you didn't tell her. Now, which was it?""Well, neither, quite. I used to tell her that I loved her and that I never wanted her to leave me and that I hopedshe never would.""But not that you wanted to marry her?""No, sir. Not that I wanted to marry her.""Well, well, all right!--and she--what did she say?""That she never would leave me," replied Clyde, heavily and fearsomely, thinking, as he did so, of Roberta's lastcries and her eyes bent on him. And he took from his pocket a handkerchief and began to wipe his moist, coldface and hands.
　　("Well staged!" murmured Mason, softly and cynically. "Pretty shrewd--pretty shrewd!" commented Redmond,lightly.)"But, tell me," went on Jephson, softly and coldly, "feeling as you did about Miss Alden, how was it that uponmeeting this Miss X, you could change so quickly? Are you so fickle that you don't know your own mind fromday to day?""Well, I didn't think so up to that time--no, sir!""Had you ever had a strong and binding love affair at any time in your life before you met Miss Alden?""No, sir.""But did you consider this one with Miss Alden strong and binding--a true love affair--up to the time you metthis Miss X?""Yes, sir, I did.""And afterwards--then what?""Well--afterwards--it wasn't quite like that any more.""You mean to say that on sight of Miss X, after encountering her once or twice, you ceased to care for MissAlden entirely?""Well, no, sir. It wasn't quite like that," volunteered Clyde, swiftly and earnestly. "I did continue to care for hersome--quite a lot, really. But before I knew it I had completely lost my head over--over Miss--Miss--""Yes, this Miss X. We know. You fell madly and unreasonably in love with her. Was that the way of it?""Yes, sir.""And then?""Well--and then--I just couldn't care for Miss Alden so much any more." A thin film of moisture covered Clyde'sforehead and cheeks as he spoke.
　　"I see! I see!" went on Jephson, oratorically and loudly, having the jury and audience in mind. "A case of theArabian Nights, of the enscorcelled and the enscorcellor.""I don't think I know what you mean," said Clyde.
　　"A case of being betwitched, my poor boy--by beauty, love, wealth, by things that we sometimes think we wantvery, very much, and cannot ever have--that is what I mean, and that is what much of the love in the worldamounts to.""Yes, sir," replied Clyde, quite innocently, concluding rightly that this was mere show of rhetoric on Jephson'spart.
　　"But what I want to know is--how was it that loving Miss Alden as much as you say you did--and having reachedthat relationship which should have been sanctified by marriage--how was it that you could have felt so littlebound or obligated to her as to entertain the idea of casting her over for this Miss X? Now just how was that? Iwould like to know, and so would this jury, I am sure. Where was your sense of gratitude? Your sense of moralobligation? Do you mean to say that you have none? We want to know."This was really cross-examination--an attack on his own witness. Yet Jephson was within his rights and Masondid not interfere.
　　"Well . . ." and here Clyde hesitated and stumbled, quite as if he had not been instructed as to all this beforehand,and seemed to and did truly finger about in his own mind or reason for some thought that would help him toexplain all this. For although it was true that he had memorized the answer, now that he was confronted by theactual question here in court, as well as the old problem that had so confused and troubled him in Lycurgus, hecould scarcely think clearly of all he had been told to say, but instead twisted and turned, and finally came outwith:
　　"The fact is, I didn't think about those things at all very much. I couldn't after I saw her. I tried to at times, but Icouldn't. I only wanted her and I didn't want Miss Alden any more. I knew I wasn't doing right--exactly--and Ifelt sorry for Roberta--but just the same I didn't seem able to do anything much about it. I could only think ofMiss X and I couldn't think of Roberta as I had before no matter how hard I tried.""Do you mean to say that you didn't suffer in your own conscience on account of this?""Yes, sir, I suffered," replied Clyde. "I knew I wasn't doing right, and it made me worry a lot about her and myself, but just the same I didn't seem to be able to do any better." (He was repeating words that Jephson hadwritten out for him, although at the time he first read them he felt them to be fairly true. He had suffered some.)"And then?""Well, then she began to complain because I didn't go round to see her as much as before.""In other words, you began to neglect her.""Yes, sir, some--but not entirely--no, sir.""Well, when you found you were so infatuated with this Miss X, what did you do? Did you go and tell MissAlden that you were no longer in love with her but in love with some one else?""No, I didn't. Not then.""Why not then? Did you think it fair and honorable to be telling two girls at once that you cared for them?""No, sir, but it wasn't quite like that either. You see at that time I was just getting acquainted with Miss X, and Iwasn't telling her anything. She wouldn't let me. But I knew then, just the same, that I couldn't care for MissAlden any more.""But what about the claim Miss Alden had on you? Didn't you feel that that was enough or should be, to preventyou from running after another girl?""Yes, sir.""Well, why did you then?""I couldn't resist her.""Miss X, you mean?""Yes, sir.""And so you continued to run after her until you had made her care for you?""No, sir, that wasn't the way at all.""Well then, what was the way?""I just met her here and there and got crazy about her.""I see. But still you didn't go and tell Miss Alden that you couldn't care for her any longer?""No, sir. Not then.""And why not?""Because I thought it would hurt her, and I didn't want to do that.""Oh, I see. You didn't have the moral or mental courage to do it then?""I don't know about the moral or mental courage," replied Clyde, a little hurt and irritated by this description ofhimself, "but I felt sorry for her just the same. She used to cry and I didn't have the heart to tell her anything.""I see. Well, let it stand that way, if you want to. But now answer me one other thing. That relationship betweenyou two--what about that--after you knew that you didn't care for her any more. Did that continue?""Well, no, sir, not so very long, anyhow," replied Clyde, most nervously and shamefacedly. He was thinking ofall the people before him now--of his mother--Sondra--of all the people throughout the entire United States--whowould read and so know. And on first being shown these questions weeks and weeks before he had wanted toknow of Jephson what the use of all that was. And Jephson had replied: "Educational effect. The quicker andharder we can shock 'em with some of the real facts of life around here, the easier it is going to be for you to geta little more sane consideration of what your problem was. But don't worry your head over that now. When thetime comes, just answer 'em and leave the rest to us. We know what we're doing." And so now Clyde added:
　　"You see, after meeting Miss X I couldn't care for her so much that way any more, and so I tried not to go aroundher so much any more. But anyhow, it wasn't so very long after that before she got in trouble and then--well--""I see. And when was that--about?""Along in the latter part of January last year.""And once that happened, then what? Did you or did you not feel that it was your duty under the circumstancesto marry her?""Well, no--not the way things were then--that is, if I could get her out of it, I mean.""And why not? What do you mean by 'as things were then'?""Well, you see, it was just as I told you. I wasn't caring for her any more, and since I hadn't promised to marryher, and she knew it, I thought it would be fair enough if I helped her out of it and then told her that I didn't carefor her as I once did.""But couldn't you help her out of it?""No, sir. But I tried.""You went to that druggist who testified here?""Yes, sir.""To anybody else?""Yes, sir--to seven others before I could get anything at all.""But what you got didn't help?""No, sir.""Did you go to that young haberdasher who testified here as he said?""Yes, sir.""And did he give you the name of any particular doctor?""Well--yes--but I wouldn't care to say which one.""All right, you needn't. But did you send Miss Alden to any doctor?""Yes, sir.""Did she go alone or did you go with her?""I went with her--that is, to the door.""Why only to the door?""Well, we talked it over, and she thought just as I did, that it might be better that way. I didn't have any too muchmoney at the time. I thought he might be willing to help her for less if she went by herself than if we both wenttogether."("I'll be damned if he isn't stealing most of my thunder," thought Mason to himself at this point. "He'sforestalling most of the things I intended to riddle him with." And he sat up worried. Burleigh and Redmond andEarl Newcomb--all now saw clearly what Jephson was attempting to do.)"I see. And it wasn't by any chance because you were afraid that your uncle or Miss X might hear of it?""Oh, yes, I . . . that is, we both thought of that and talked of it. She understood how things were with me downthere.""But not about Miss X?""No, not about Miss X.""And why not?""Well, because I didn't think I could very well tell her just then. It would have made her feel too bad. I wanted towait until she was all right again.""And then tell her and leave her. Is that what you mean?""Well, yes, if I still couldn't care for her any more--yes, sir.""But not if she was in trouble?""Well, no, sir, not if she was in trouble. But you see, at that time I was expecting to be able to get her out of that.""I see. But didn't her condition affect your attitude toward her--cause you to want to straighten the whole thingout by giving up this Miss X and marrying Miss Alden?""Well, no, sir--not then exactly--that is, not at that time.""How do you mean--'not at that time'?""Well, I did come to feel that way later, as I told you--but not then--that was afterwards--after we started on ourtrip to the Adirondacks--""And why not then?""I've said why. I was too crazy about Miss X to think of anything but her.""You couldn't change even then?""No, sir. I felt sorry, but I couldn't.""I see. But never mind that now. I will come to that later. Just now I want to have you explain to the jury, if youcan, just what it was about this Miss X, as contrasted with Miss Alden, that made her seem so very much moredesirable in your eyes. Just what characteristics of manner or face or mind or position--or whatever it was that soenticed you? Or do you know?"This was a question which both Belknap and Jephson in various ways and for various reasons--psychic, legal,personal--had asked Clyde before, and with varying results. At first he could not and would not discuss her at all,fearing that whatever he said would be seized upon and used in his trial and the newspapers along with her name.
　　But later, when because of the silence of the newspapers everywhere in regard to her true name, it became plain that she was not to be featured, he permitted himself to talk more freely about her. But now here on the stand, hegrew once more nervous and reticent.
　　"Well, you see, it's hard to say. She was very beautiful to me. Much more so than Roberta--but not only that, shewas different from any one I had ever known--more independent--and everybody paid so much attention to whatshe did and what she said. She seemed to know more than any one else I ever knew. Then she dressed awfullywell, and was very rich and in society and her name and pictures were always in the paper. I used to read abouther every day when I didn't see her, and that seemed to keep her before me a lot. She was daring, too---not sosimple or trusting as Miss Alden was--and at first it was hard for me to believe that she was becoming sointerested in me. It got so that I couldn't think of any one or anything else, and I didn't want Roberta any more. Ijust couldn't, with Miss X always before me.""Well, it looks to me as if you might have been in love, or hypnotized at that," insinuated Jephson at theconclusion of this statement, the tail of his right eye upon the jury. "If that isn't a picture of pretty much all gone,I guess I don't know one when I see it." But with the audience and the jury as stony-faced as before, as he couldsee.
　　But immediately thereafter the swift and troubled waters of the alleged plot which was the stern trail to which allthis was leading.
　　"Well, now, Clyde, from there on, just what happened? Tell us now, as near as you can recall. Don't shade it ortry to make yourself look any better or any worse. She is dead, and you may be, eventually, if these twelvegentlemen here finally so decide." (And at this an icy chill seemed to permeate the entire courtroom as well asClyde.) "But the truth for the peace of your own soul is the best,"--and here Jephson thought of Mason--let himcounteract that if he can.
　　"Yes, sir," said Clyde, simply.
　　"Well, then, after she got in trouble and you couldn't help her, then what? What was it you did? How did youact? . . . By the way, one moment--what was your salary at that time?""Twenty-five dollars a week," confessed Clyde.
　　"No other source of income?""I didn't quite hear.""Was there any other source from which you were obtaining any money at that time in any way?""No, sir.""And how much was your room?""Seven dollars a week.""And your board?""Oh, from five to six.""Any other expenses?""Yes, sir--my clothes and laundry.""You had to stand your share of whatever social doings were on foot, didn't you?""Objected to as leading!" called Mason.
　　"Objection sustained," replied Justice Oberwaltzer.
　　"Any other expenses that you can think of?""Well, there were carfares and trainfares. And then I had to share in whatever social expenses there were.""Exactly!" cried Mason, with great irritation. "I wish you would quit leading this parrot here.""I wish the honorable district attorney would mind his own business!" snorted Jephson--as much for Clyde'sbenefit as for his own. He wished to break down his fear of Mason. "I'm examining this defendant, and as forparrots we've seen quite a number of them around here in the last few weeks, and coached to the throat likeschool-boys.""That's a malicious lie!" shouted Mason. "I object and demand an apology.""The apology is to me and to this defendant, if your Honor pleases, and will be exacted quickly if your Honorwill only adjourn this court for a few minutes," and then stepping directly in front of Mason, he added: "And Iwill be able to obtain it without any judicial aid." Whereupon Mason, thinking he was about to be attacked,squared off, the while assistants and deputy sheriffs, and stenographers and writers, and the clerk of the courthimself, gathered round and seized the two lawyers while Justice Oberwaltzer pounded violently on his deskwith his gavel:
　　"Gentlemen! Gentlemen! You are both in contempt of court, both of you! You will apologize to the court and toeach other, or I'll declare a mistrial and commit you both for ten days and fine you five hundred dollars each."With this he leaned down and frowned on both. And at once Jephson replied, most suavely and ingratiatingly:
　　"Under the circumstances, your Honor, I apologize to you and to the attorney for the People and to this jury. Theattack on this defendant, by the district attorney, seemed too unfair and uncalled for--that was all.""Never mind that," continued Oberwaltzer.
　　"Under the circumstances, your Honor, I apologize to you and to the counsel for the defense. I was a little hasty, perhaps. And to this defendant also," sneered Mason, after first looking into Justice Oberwaltzer's angry anduncompromising eyes and then into Clyde's, who instantly recoiled and turned away.
　　"Proceed," growled Oberwaltzer, sullenly.
　　"Now, Clyde," resumed Jephson anew, as calm as though he had just lit and thrown away a match. "You sayyour salary was twenty-five dollars and you had these various expenses. Had you, up to this time, been able toput aside any money for a rainy day?""No, sir--not much--not any, really.""Well, then, supposing some doctor to whom Miss Alden had applied had been willing to assist her and wanted-say a hundred dollars or so--were you ready to furnish that?""No, sir--not right off, that is.""Did she have any money of her own that you know of?""None that I know of--no, sir.""Well, how did you intend to help her then?""Well, I thought if either she or I found any one and he would wait and let me pay for it on time, that I could saveand pay it that way, maybe.""I see. You were perfectly willing to do that, were you?""Yes, sir, I was.""You told her so, did you?""Yes, sir. She knew that.""Well, when neither you nor she could find any one to help her, then what? What did you do next?""Well, then she wanted me to marry her.""Right away?""Yes, sir. Right away.""And what did you say to that?""I told her I just couldn't then. I didn't have any money to get married on. And besides if I did and didn't go away somewhere, at least until the baby was born, everybody would find out and I couldn't have stayed there anyhow.
　　And she couldn't either.""And why not?""Well, there were my relatives. They wouldn't have wanted to keep me any more, or her either, I guess.""I see. They wouldn't have considered you fit for the work you were doing, or her either. Is that it?""I thought so, anyhow," replied Clyde.
　　"And then what?""Well, even if I had wanted to go away with her and marry her, I didn't have enough money to do that and shedidn't either. I would have had to give up my place and gone and found another somewhere before I could let hercome. Besides that, I didn't know any place where I could go and earn as much as I did there.""How about hotel work? Couldn't you have gone back to that?""Well, maybe--if I had an introduction of some kind. But I didn't want to go back to that.""And why not?""Well, I didn't like it so much any more--not that kind of life.""But you didn't mean that you didn't want to do anything at all, did you? That wasn't your attitude, was it?""Oh, no, sir. That wasn't it. I told her right away if she would go away for a while--while she had her baby--andlet me stay on there in Lycurgus, that I would try to live on less and give her all I could save until she was allright again.""But not marry her?""No, sir, I didn't feel that I could do that then.""And what did she say to that?""She wouldn't do it. She said she couldn't and wouldn't go through with it unless I would marry her.""I see. Then and there?""Well, yes--pretty soon, anyhow. She was willing to wait a little while, but she wouldn't go away unless I wouldmarry her.""And did you tell her that you didn't care for her any more?""Well, nearly--yes, sir""What do you mean by 'nearly'?""Well, that I didn't want to. Besides, she knew I didn't care for her any more. She said so herself.""To you, at that time?""Yes, sir. Lots of times.""Well, yes, that's true--it was in all of those letters of hers that were read here. But when she refused so flatly,what did you do then?""Well, I didn't know what to do. But I thought maybe if I could get her to go up to her home for a while, while Itried and saved what I could--well . . . maybe . . . once she was up there and saw how much I didn't want tomarry her--" (Clyde paused and fumbled at his lips. This lying was hard.)"Yes, go on. And remember, the truth, however ashamed of it you may be, is better than any lie.""And maybe when she was a little more frightened and not so determined--""Weren't you frightened, too?""Yes, sir, I was.""Well, go on.""That then--well--maybe if I offered her all that I had been able to save up to then--you see I thought maybe Imight be able to borrow some from some one too--that she might be willing to go away and not make me marryher--just live somewhere and let me help her.""I see. But she wouldn't agree to that?""Well, no--not to my not marrying her, no--but to going up there for a month, yes. I couldn't get her to say thatshe would let me off.""But did you at that or any other time before or subsequent to that say that you would come up there and marryher?""No, sir. I never did.""Just what did you say then?""I said that . . . as soon as I could get the money," stuttered Clyde at this point, so nervous and shamed was he, "Iwould come for her in about a month and we could go away somewhere until--until--well, until she was out ofthat.""But you did not tell her that you would marry her?""No, sir. I did not.""But she wanted you to, of course.""Yes, sir.""Had you any notion that she could force you so to do at that time-- marry her against your will, I mean?""No, sir, I didn't. Not if I could help it. My plan was to wait as long as I could and save all the money I could andthen when the time came just refuse and give her all the money that I had and help her all I could from then on.""But you know," proceeded Jephson, most suavely and diplomatically at this point, "there are various referencesin these letters here which Miss Alden wrote you"--and he reached over and from the district attorney's tablepicked up the original letters of Roberta and weighed them solemnly in his hand--"to a PLAN which you two hadin connection with this trip--or at least that she seemed to think you had. Now, exactly what was that plan? Shedistinctly refers to it, if I recall aright, as 'our plan.'""I know that," replied Clyde--since for two months now he, along with Belknap and Jephson, had discussed thisparticular question. "But the only plan I know of"--and here he did his best to look frank and beconvincing--"was the one I offered over and over.""And what was that?""Why, that she go away and take a room somewhere and let me help her and come over and see her once in awhile.""Well, no, you're wrong there," returned Jephson, slyly. "That isn't and couldn't be the plan she had in mind. Shesays in one of these letters that she knows it will be hard on you to have to go away and stay so long, or until sheis out of this thing, but that it can't be helped.""Yes, I know," replied Clyde, quickly and exactly as he had been told to do, "but that was her plan, not mine. Shekept saying to me most of the time that that was what she wanted me to do, and that I would have to do it. Shetold me that over the telephone several times, and I may have said all right, all right, not meaning that I agreedwith her entirely but that I wanted to talk with her about it some more later.""I see. And so that's what you think--that she meant one thing and you meant another.""Well, I know I never agreed to her plan--exactly. That is, I never did any more than just to ask her to wait andnot do anything until I could get money enough together to come up there and talk to her some more and get herto go away--the way I suggested.""But if she wouldn't accede to your plan, then what?""Well, then I was going to tell her about Miss X, and beg her to let me go.""And if she still wouldn't?""Well, then I thought I might run away, but I didn't like to think about that very much.""You know, Clyde, of course, that some here are of the opinion that there was a plot on your part whichoriginated in your mind about this time to conceal your identity and hers and lure her up there to one of thoselone lakes in the Adirondacks and slay her or drown her in cold blood, in order that you might be free to marrythis Miss X. Any truth in that? Tell this jury--yes or no--which is it?""No! No! I never did plot to kill her, or any one," protested Clyde, quite dramatically, and clutching at the armsof his chair and seeking to be as emphatic as possible, since he had been instructed so to do. At the same time hearose in his seat and sought to look stern and convincing, although in his heart and mind was the cryingknowledge that he had so plotted, and this it was that most weakened him at this moment--most painfully andhorribly weakened him. The eyes of all these people. The eyes of the judge and jury and Mason and all the menand women of the press. And once more his brow was wet and cold and he licked his thin lips nervously andswallowed with difficulty because his throat was dry.
　　And then it was that piecemeal, and beginning with the series of letters written by Roberta to Clyde after shereached her home and ending with the one demanding that he come for her or she would return to Lycurgus andexpose him, Jephson took up the various phases of the "alleged" plot and crime, and now did his best tominimize and finally dispel all that had been testified to so far.
　　Clyde's suspicious actions in not writing Roberta. Well, he was afraid of complications in connection with hisrelatives, his work, everything. And the same with his arranging to meet her in Fonda. He had no plan as to anytrip with her anywhere in particular at the time. He only thought vaguely of meeting her somewhere-anywhere--and possibly persuading her to leave him. But July arriving and his plan still so indefinite, the firstthing that occurred to him was that they might go off to some inexpensive resort somewhere. It was Roberta whoin Utica had suggested some of the lakes north of there. It was there in the hotel, not at the railway station, thathe had secured some maps and folders--a fatal contention in one sense, for Mason had one folder with aLycurgus House stamp on the cover, which Clyde had not noticed at the time. And as he was so testifying,Mason was thinking of this. In regard to leaving Lycurgus by a back street--well, there had been a desire toconceal his departure with Roberta, of course, but only to protect her name and his from notoriety. And so withthe riding in separate cars, registering as Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Golden, and so on indefinitely throughout theentire list of shifty concealments and evasions. In regard to the two hats, well, the one hat was soiled and seeingone that he liked he bought it. Then when he lost the hat in the accident he naturally put on the other. To be sure,he had owned and carried a camera, and it was true that he had it at the Cranstons' on his first visit there on the eighteenth of June. The only reason he denied having it at first was because he was afraid of being identifiedwith this purely accidental death of Roberta in a way that would be difficult to explain. He had been falselycharged with her murder immediately upon his arrest in the woods, and he was fearful of his entire connectionwith this ill-fated trip, and not having any lawyer or any one to say a word for him, he thought it best to saynothing and so for the time being had denied everything, although at once on being provided counsel he hadconfided to his attorneys the true facts of the case.
　　And so, too, with the missing suit, which because it was wet and muddy he had done up in a bundle in the woodsand after reaching the Cranstons' had deposited it behind some stones there, intending to return and secure it andhave it dry-cleaned. But on being introduced to Mr. Belknap and Mr. Jephson he had at once told both and theyhad secured it and had it cleaned for him.
　　"But now, Clyde, in regard to your plans and your being out on that lake in the first place--let's hear about thatnow."And then--quite as Jephson had outlined it to Belknap, came the story of how he and Roberta had reached Uticaand afterwards Grass Lake. And yet no plan. He intended, if worst came to worst, to tell her of his great love forMiss X and appeal to her sympathy and understanding to set him free at the same time that he offered to doanything that he could for her. If she refused he intended to defy her and leave Lycurgus, if necessary, and giveup everything.
　　"But when I saw her at Fonda, and later in Utica, looking as tired and worried as she was," and here Clyde wasendeavoring to give the ring of sincerity to words carefully supplied him, "and sort of helpless, I began to feelsorry for her again.""Yes, and then what?""Well, I wasn't quite so sure whether in case she refused to let me off I could go through with leaving her.""Well, what did you decide then?""Not anything just then. I listened to what she had to say and I tried to tell her how hard it was going to be for meto do anything much, even if I did go away with her. I only had fifty dollars.""Yes?""And then she began to cry, and I decided I couldn't talk to her any more about it there. She was too run-downand nervous. So I asked her if there wasn't any place she would like to go to for a day or two to brace herself up alittle," went on Clyde, only here on account of the blackness of the lie he was telling he twisted and swallowed inthe weak, stigmatic way that was his whenever he was attempting something which was beyond him--anyuntruth or a feat of skill--and then added: "And she said yes, maybe to one of those lakes up in the Adirondacks-itdidn't make much difference which one--if we could afford it. And when I told her, mostly because of the wayshe was feeling, that I thought we could--""Then you really only went up there on her account?""Yes, sir, only on account of her.""I see. Go on.""Well, then she said if I would go downstairs or somewhere and get some folders we might be able to find aplace up there somewhere where it wasn't so expensive.""And did you?""Yes, sir.""Well, and then what?""Well, we looked them over and we finally hit on Grass Lake.""Who did? The two of you--or she?""Well, she took one folder and I took another, and in hers she found an ad about an inn up there where twopeople could stay for twenty-one dollars a week, or five dollars a day for the two. And I thought we couldn't domuch better than that for one day.""Was one day all you intended to stay?""No, sir. Not if she wanted to stay longer. My idea at first was that we might stay one or two days or three. Icouldn't tell--whatever time it took me to talk things out with her and make her understand and see where Istood.""I see. And then . . .?""Well, then we went up to Grass Lake the next morning.""In separate cars still?""Yes, sir--in separate cars.""And when you got there?""Why, we registered.""How?""Clifford Graham and wife.""Still afraid some one would know who you were?""Yes, sir.""Did you try to disguise your handwriting in any way?""Yes, sir--a little.""But just why did you always use your own initials--C. G.?""Well, I thought that the initials on my bag should be the same as the initials on the register, and still not be myname either.""I see. Clever in one sense, not so clever in another--just half clever, which is the worst of all." At this Masonhalf rose in his seat as though to object, but evidently changing his mind, sank slowly back again. And once moreJephson's right eye swiftly and inquiringly swept the jury to his right. "Well, did you finally explain to her thatyou wanted to be done with it all as you had planned--or did you not?""I wanted to talk to her about it just after we got there if I could--the next morning, anyhow--but just as soon aswe got off up there and got settled she kept saying to me that if I would only marry her then--that she would notwant to stay married long--that she was so sick and worried and felt so bad--that all she wanted to do was to getthrough and give the baby a name, and after that she would go away and let me go my way, too.""And then?""Well, and then--then we went out on the lake--""Which lake, Clyde?""Why, Grass Lake. We went out for a row after we got there.""Right away? In the afternoon?""Yes, sir. She wanted to go. And then while we were out there rowing around--" (He paused.)"She got to crying again, and she seemed so much up against it and looked so sick and so worried that I decidedthat after all she was right and I was wrong--that it wouldn't be right, on account of the baby and all, not to marryher, and so I thought I had better do it.""I see. A change of heart. And did you tell her that then and there?""No, sir.""And why not? Weren't you satisfied with the trouble you had caused her so far?""Yes, sir. But you see just as I was going to talk to her at that time I got to thinking of all the things I had beenthinking before I came up.""What, for instance?""Why, Miss X and my life in Lycurgus, and what we'd be up against in case we did go away this way.""Yes.""And . . . well . . . and then I couldn't just tell her then--not that day, anyhow.""Well, when did you tell her then?""Well, I told her not to cry any more--that I thought maybe it would be all right if she gave me twenty-four hoursmore to think things all out--that maybe we'd be able to settle on something.""And then?""Well, then she said after a while that she didn't care for Grass Lake. She wished we would go away from there.""SHE did?""Yes. And then we got out the maps again and I asked a fellow at the hotel there if he knew about the lakes upthere. And he said of all the lakes around there Big Bittern was the most beautiful. I had seen it once, and I toldRoberta about it and what the man said, and then she asked why didn't we go there.""And is that why you went there?""Yes, sir""No other reason?""No, sir--none--except that it was back, or south, and we were going that way anyhow.""I see. And that was Thursday, July eighth?""Yes, sir.""Well, now, Clyde, as you have seen, it has been charged here that you took Miss Alden to and out on that lakewith the sole and premeditated intent of killing her--murdering her--finding some unobserved and quiet spot andthen first striking her with your camera, or an oar, or club, or stone maybe, and then drowning her. Now, what have you to say to that? Is that true, or isn't it?""No, sir! It's not true!" returned Clyde, clearly and emphatically. "I never went there of my own accord in thefirst place, and I only went there because she didn't like Grass Lake." And here, because he had been sinkingdown in his chair, he pulled himself up and looked at the jury and the audience with what measure of strengthand conviction he could summon--as previously he had been told to do. At the same time he added: "And Iwanted to please her in any way that I could so that she might be a little more cheerful.""Were you still as sorry for her on this Thursday as you had been the day before?""Yes, sir--more, I think.""And had you definitely made up your mind by then as to what you wanted to do?""Yes, sir.""Well, and just what was that?""Well, I had decided to play as fair as I could. I had been thinking about it all night, and I realized how badly shewould feel and I too if I didn't do the right thing by her--because she had said three or four times that if I didn'tshe would kill herself. And I had made up my mind that morning that whatever else happened that day, I wasgoing to straighten the whole thing out.""This was at Grass Lake. You were still in the hotel on Thursday morning?""Yes, sir.""And you were going to tell her just what?""Well, that I knew that I hadn't treated her quite right and that I was sorry--besides, that her offer was fairenough, and that if after what I was going to tell her she still wanted me, I would go away with her and marryher. But that I had to tell her first the real reason for my changing as I had--that I had been and still was in lovewith another girl and that I couldn't help it--that probably whether I married her or not--""Miss Alden you mean?""Yes, sir--that I would always go on loving this other girl, because I just couldn't get her out of my mind. But justthe same, if that didn't make any difference to her, that I would marry her even if I couldn't love her any more asI once did. That was all.""But what about Miss X?""Well, I had thought about her too, but I thought she was better off and could stand it easier. Besides, I thoughtperhaps Roberta would let me go and we could just go on being friends and I would help her all I could.""Had you decided just where you would marry her?""No, sir. But I knew there were plenty of towns below Big Bittern and Grass Lake.""But were you going to do that without one single word to Miss X beforehand?""Well, no, sir--not exactly. I figured that if Roberta wouldn't let me off but didn't mind my leaving her for a fewdays, I would go down to where Miss X lived and tell her, and then come back. But if she objected to that, whythen I was going to write Miss X a letter and explain how it was and then go on and get married to Roberta.""I see. But, Clyde, among other bits of testimony here, there was that letter found in Miss Alden's coat pocket-theone written on Grass Lake Inn stationery and addressed to her mother, in which she told her that she wasabout to be married. Had you already told her up there at Grass Lake that morning that you were going to marryher for sure?""No, sir. Not exactly, but I did say on getting up that day that it was the deciding day for us and that she wasgoing to be able to decide for herself whether she wanted me to marry her or not.""Oh, I see. So that's it," smiled Jephson, as though greatly relieved. (And Mason and Newcomb and Burleigh andState Senator Redmond all listening with the profoundest attention, now exclaimed, sotto voce and almost inunison: "Of all the bunk!")"Well, now we come to the trip itself. You have heard the testimony here and the dark motive and plotting thathas been attributed to every move in connection with it. Now I want you to tell it in your own way. It has beentestified here that you took both bags--yours and hers--up there with you but that you left hers at Gun Lodgewhen you got there and took your own out on the lake in that boat with you. Now just why did you do that?
　　Please speak so that all of the jurymen can hear you.""Well, the reason for that was," and here once more his throat became so dry that he could scarcely speak, "wedidn't know whether we could get any lunch at Big Bittern, so we decided to take some things along with us fromGrass Lake. Her bag was packed full of things, but there was room in mine. Besides, it had my camera with thetripod outside. So I decided to leave hers and take mine.""YOU decided?""Well, I asked her what she thought and she said she thought that was best.""Where was it you asked her that?""On the train coming down.""And did you know then that you were coming back to Gun Lodge after going out on the lake?""Yes, sir, I did. We had to. There was no other road. They told us that at Grass Lake.""And in riding over to Big Bittern--do you recall the testimony of the driver who drove you over--that you were'very nervous' and that you asked him whether there were many people over that that day?""I recall it, yes, sir, but I wasn't nervous at all. I may have asked about the people, but I can't see anything wrongwith that. It seems to me that any one might ask that.""And so it seems to me," echoed Jephson. "Then what happened after you registered at Big Bittern Inn and gotinto that boat and went out on the lake with Miss Alden? Were you or she especially preoccupied or nervous orin any state different from that of any ordinary person who goes out on a lake to row? Were you particularlyhappy or particularly gloomy, or what?""Well, I don't think I was especially gloomy--no, sir. I was thinking of all I was going to tell her, of course, andof what was before me either way she decided. I wasn't exactly gay, I guess, but I thought it would be all rightwhichever way things went. I had decided that I was willing to marry her.""And how about her? Was she quite cheerful?""Well--yes, sir. She seemed to feel much happier for some reason.""And what did you talk about?""Oh, about the lake first--how beautiful it was and where we would have our lunch when we were ready for it.
　　And then we rowed along the west shore looking for water lilies. She was so happy that I hated to bring upanything just then, and so we just kept on rowing until about two, when we stopped for lunch.""Just where was that? Just get up and trace on the map with that pointer there just where you did go and howlong you stopped and for what."And so Clyde, pointer in hand and standing before the large map of the lake and region which particularlyconcerned this tragedy, now tracing in detail the long row along the shore, a group of trees, which, after havinglunch, they had rowed to see--a beautiful bed of water lilies which they had lingered over--each point at whichthey had stopped, until reaching Moon Cove at about five in the afternoon, they had been so entranced by itsbeauty that they had merely sat and gazed, as he said. Afterwards, in order that he might take some pictures, theyhad gone ashore in the woods nearby--he all the while preparing himself to tell Roberta of Miss X and ask herfor her final decision. And then having left the bag on shore for a few moments while they rowed out and tooksome snapshots in the boat, they had drifted in the calm of the water and the stillness and beauty until finally hehad gathered sufficient courage to tell her what was in his heart. And at first, as he now said, Roberta seemedgreatly startled and depressed and began crying a little, saying that perhaps it was best for her not to live anylonger--she felt so miserable. But, afterwards, when he had impressed on her the fact that he was really sorry andperfectly willing to make amends, she had suddenly changed and begun to grow more cheerful, and then of asudden, in a burst of tenderness and gratefulness--he could not say exactly--she had jumped up and tried to cometo him. Her arms were outstretched and she moved as if to throw herself at his feet or into his lap. But just then, her foot, or her dress, had caught and she had stumbled. And he--camera in hand--(a last minute decision or legalprecaution on the part of Jephson)--had risen instinctively to try to catch her and stop her fall. Perhaps--he wouldnot be able to say here--her face or hand had struck the camera. At any rate, the next moment, before he quiteunderstood how it all happened, and without time for thought or action on his part or hers, both were in the waterand the boat, which had overturned, seemed to have struck Roberta, for she seemed to be stunned.
　　"I called to her to try to get to the boat--it was moving away--to take hold of it, but she didn't seem to hear me orunderstand what I meant. I was afraid to go too near her at first because she was striking out in every direction-andbefore I could swim ten strokes forward her head had gone down once and come up and then gone downagain for a second time. By then the boat had floated all of thirty or forty feet away and I knew that I couldn't gether into that. And then I decided that if I wanted to save myself I had better swim ashore."And once there, as he now narrated, it suddenly occurred to him how peculiar and suspicious were all thecircumstances surrounding his present position. He suddenly realized, as he now said, how had the whole thinglooked from the beginning. The false registering. The fact his bag was there--hers not. Besides, to return nowmeant that he would have to explain and it would become generally known--and everything connected with hislife would go--Miss X, his work, his social position--all--whereas, if he said nothing (and here it was, and for thefirst time, as he now swore, that this thought occurred to him), it might be assumed that he too had drowned. Inview of this fact and that any physical help he might now give her would not restore her to life, and thatacknowledgment would mean only trouble for him and shame for her, he decided to say nothing. And so, toremove all traces, he had taken off his clothes and wrung them out and wrapped them for packing as best hecould. Next, having left the tripod on shore with his bag, he decided to hide that, and did. His first straw hat, theone without the lining (but about which absent lining he now declared he knew nothing), had been lost with theoverturning of t
回复 引用 新鲜事
顶端
司凌。

ZxID：9742737

2429874鲜花 36鸡蛋

等级: 派派版主
配偶: 此微夜
原名：独爱穿越。
举报 只看该作者 92楼  发表于: 2013-10-25 0


第二十四章
克莱德作证时,说着说着,后来说到:他的家怎样从伊利诺斯州的昆西(当时救世军给了他父母一些工作,他们这才去那里的)迁往堪萨斯城,在那里,从十二岁一直到十五岁,他就动过脑子,想找一些事情做,因为父母要他一面上学,一面还得参与宗教活动,可他硬是不乐意.
"你在公学念书时总是升级的吧?"
"不,先生.因为我们搬家次数太多."
"你十二岁时上几年级?"
"您看,本来我该上七年级,可我只能上六年级.我为什么不喜欢念书,原因就在这里."
"你对父母的传教活动有什么看法?"
"嗯,敢情好——只不过每天晚上到街头去唱赞美诗,我可从来就不愿意."
克莱德就这样一直说下去,打从小小的杂货铺里干活,卖汽水,送报,一直说到他在格林－戴维逊大酒店——据他向他们介绍,那是堪萨斯城最好的一家旅馆——当侍应生."不过现在,克莱德,"杰夫森开口说.他深怕梅森在反复讯问被告时,认为克莱德不够资格作证人,就会一个劲儿深挖,挖到了堪萨斯城汽车被撞毁、孩子被轧死一事,因而使被告的证词所产生的影响全给抵消.所以,他就决定先下手为强.毫无疑问,只要他提问时不温不火,恰到好处,克莱德满可以把这一段说得清清楚楚,甚至于还可以轻描淡写一些;要是交给梅森提问的话,那么这一段事,当然罗,就可能被歪曲成确实是邪恶透顶的事.
"你在那儿工作了多久?"
"一年多一点儿."
"你为什么离开呢?"
"嗯,那是因为出了一起意外事故."
"这意外事故是属于什么性质的?"
本来克莱德对这一段事早有准备,又经过排练,就把事情经过详详细细说了一遍,其中包括小女孩的死和他的出逃——这一切,不消说,原是梅森打算大谈特谈的.但现在梅森一听到这些,只是摇摇头,讽刺挖苦地咕哝着说:"他自己什么都提到了——可真不赖啊."杰夫森觉察到自己这一招够厉害——用他自己的话来说,准可以把梅森威力最大的一座大炮的"火门柱给拔掉了"——就继续说:
"你说,克莱德,那时你有多大?"
"十七、八岁."
"你是想说,"在把有关这件事情他能想到的问题通通提过之后杰夫森继续说,"当时你并不知道,既然这辆汽车不是你偷的,你本来是可以回去的,在把这一切说清楚之后,你就可以获释,由你父母监护吧?"
"我反对!"梅森大声嚷道."没有任何证据足以说明他回到堪萨斯城后,就能获释,由他父母监护."
"同意!"法官居高临下,简直令人震耳欲聋地大声说."请被告辩护律师审问证人时紧凑些,只谈本题吧."
"反对!"贝尔纳普即席回答说.
"不,先生.那我可不知道,"克莱德还是照样这么回答.
"反正是出于这个原因,你从堪萨斯城逃出来后,正如你对我说过的那样,就改名为台纳特,是吧?"
"是的,先生."
"再说,克莱德,你为什么要取台纳特这个名字?""那是一个孩子的名字,我在昆西时常跟他一块玩儿的."
"他是个好孩子吗?"
"抗议,"梅森从他的座位上大声喊道."法律上无效,无关紧要,与本题毫不相干."
"哦,跟你希望陪审团相信的适得其反,他毕竟还是能跟好孩子交往呀.从这个意义上来说,那我的提问就很有关系啦,"说罢,杰夫森轻蔑地一笑.
"支持异议,"奥伯沃泽法官声如洪钟地说.
"不过,当时你有没有想到,可能他会不高兴,或者说,你随便用他的名字来包庇一个潜逃在外的人,这对他来说,不是好冤枉吗?"
"没有,先生——当时我想天底下姓台纳特的,可多着哩."
本来让克莱德说这句话时很可能指望全场听众会迁就地笑一笑,可他们对克莱德毕竟是如此刻骨仇恨,并没有迁就他这种在法庭大厅里的轻松插曲.
"喂,听我说,克莱德,"杰夫森发觉自己想让听众情绪软化的企图已告失败,就继续说."你是心疼你母亲的,是吧?——还是不心疼?"
经过异议、辩论,这个问题最后方可准予提出来."是的,先生,当然我心疼她,"克莱德回答说.不过,回答以前稍微迟疑了一会儿,这是谁都能觉察到的:先是嗓子眼一收紧,直喘粗气时,胸脯一起一伏.
"很心疼吗?"
"是的,先生——很心疼,"这时他已不敢抬眼看人了.
"凡是她认为正确,而又力所能及的事情,她是不是一向给你办到?"
"是的,先生."
"嗯,那末,克莱德,你碰上这么多事情,甚至包括那一起可怕的意外事故以后,你怎能潜逃在外那么久,还不捎一句话给她,说你决不是象什么有罪之人,同时要她用不着担心,因为你又找到了工作,自己正在努力做一个好孩子呢?"
"但是我给她写过信——只不过没有署名罢了."
"我明白了.还有什么别的行动?"
"有的,先生.我寄给她一点钱.有一回寄过十块美元."
"不过,你压根儿没有想过要回家去?"
"没有,先生.我深怕一回去,也许我会给抓了起来.""换句话说,"杰夫森为了强调这些话,这时就说得特别清楚."你是一个道德上、思想上的懦夫,正如我的同事贝尔纳普所说的那样."
"我反对企图就被告的证词向陪审团作出这样的解释!"
梅森打断了对方的话说.
"实际上,被告这些证词根本用不着解释.谁都看得出,这些话本来就非常明明白白,老老实实,"杰夫森当即予以反驳.
"支持异议!"法官喊道."继续进行.继续进行.""依我看,克莱德,这就是因为你是一个道德上、思想上的懦夫——但我决不因为当时你自己也无可奈何的事来责备你.(说到底,这不是你自己决定的,是吧?)"
不过,这也说得太过分了,法官警告他以后提问时措词务必更审慎些.
"随后,你四处流浪,先后到过奥尔顿、皮奥里亚、布卢明顿、密尔沃基、芝加哥等地——常常藏身在后街的一些小屋里,洗碟子,卖汽水,开汽车,改名台纳特,其实嘛,当时你说不定能回堪萨斯城去复职的,是吧?"杰夫森继续说."我抗议!我抗议!"梅森大声吼叫着."这里没有证据足以说明他能回去复职的."
"支持异议,"奥伯沃泽裁定说.虽然这时杰夫森口袋里有一封信,是克莱德在格林－戴维逊大酒店时原侍应生领班弗兰西斯·X·斯奈尔斯写来的.他在信上说,除了同偷窃别人汽车一事有牵连以外,并没有发觉克莱德还有什么有损自己名誉的事.他还说,过去他一直认为克莱德这个人机灵、利索、诚实、听话、谦逊.斯奈尔斯还说,在那意外事故发生后,他就知道克莱德只不过是他那一伙人里的小角色罢了.对此,他感到很高兴.当初要是克莱德回去,把那经过情形解释清楚,本来也许仍会在大酒店做事的.可是所有这一切,现在都被认为是与本案毫不相干的了.
接着,克莱德说明当初他从堪萨斯城的险境中出逃以后,四处漂泊流浪了两年,在芝加哥寻摸到了工作,先是当司机,以后到联谊俱乐部里当侍应生.他还说,他在觅到头一个工作以后,就写信给他的母亲,后来听了她的话,正打算给他的伯父写信时,碰巧在联谊俱乐部遇到了伯父,于是,他就被伯父邀请到莱柯格斯来了.然后,他依照先后顺序,详详细细地说明了他开头是怎样工作的,怎样被提升的,他堂兄和领班怎样把那些厂规关照过他的,还有后来,他是怎样先是跟罗伯达,继而又跟某某小姐相识,如此等等.不过,在这中间,克莱德还不厌其烦地讲到了他为什么和又是怎样向罗伯达·奥尔登求爱的经过,以及得到她的爱情以后,他为什么和又是怎样觉得自己很心满意足了——殊不知某某小姐的出现,以至她对他那种压倒一切的魅力,怎样彻底改变了他对罗伯达的全部看法.尽管这时他还是爱慕罗伯达的,可他再也不愿象过去那样想的跟她结婚了.
不过话又说回来,要是在本案证词中马上把克莱德太感情多变这一点提出来,那就太难堪了,因此,杰夫森急于分散陪审团的注意力,赶紧抢着插上一句:
"克莱德,其实,你一开头就是爱罗伯达·奥尔登的,是吧?"
"是的,先生."
"那末,想必你一定知道,或者说,哪怕是从她的行动中马上就了解到:她是一个非常善良、天真、虔诚的姑娘,是吧?""是的,先生,我对她就是这么看法,"克莱德回答说.他只是把事先关照他该说的话重复念叨了一遍.
"嗯,那末,你能不能向你自己以及陪审团解释一下(只要粗略些,不必太详细):你这些感情变化,是怎样、为什么发生的,又是在何时何地发生的,以致引起我们大家——"(说到这里,他大胆地、机智地、冷峻地先是向观众、接着向陪审员他们扫了一眼)"深深惋惜.既然你开头把她看得这么高,那后来是怎么搞的,你竟会这么快就甘心堕落,发展到这么一种邪恶的关系呢?你是不是知道:所有的男人——所有的女人也一样——都把这种关系看成是有罪过的,而且,这种婚外关系是不可原谅的——就是一种可依法处罚的罪行?"
杰夫森的大胆讥讽和话里有刺,足以使全场听众先是噤若寒蝉,继而在思想上有点儿不寒而栗.梅森和奥伯沃泽法官一见此状,不由得忧心忡忡地紧蹙眉头.怎么啦,这个初出茅庐、愤世嫉俗的家伙真不要脸!他竟敢凭借暗中讥讽的手法,表面上佯装是在严肃地提问,其实要强加于人的是这么一种思想,至少是含蓄地总想对社会基础——宗教和道德的基础进行挑剔.瞧他现在胆大包天、威风凛凛地站在那里,正听着克莱德回答说:
"是的,先生,我想这个我也知道——当然知道——不过,说实话,不管是开头也好,还是以后任何时候也好,我从来都没有存心引诱过她的.我就是爱她."
"你爱过她?"
"是的,先生."
"很爱她?"
"很爱她."
"那时候,她也一样很爱你?"
"是的,先生,她也是一样."
"打从一开头起?"
"打从一开头起."
"她跟你这么说的?"
"是的,先生."
"在她搬出牛顿夫妇家的时候——有关此事的所有证词,反正你全都听过了——你有没有使用任何方式、任何诡计,或是通过双方同意的办法,引诱过她,或是企图诱使她从那儿搬出去?"
"没有,先生,我可没有.是她全凭自愿搬走的.她只是要求我帮她去找房子."
"她要求过你帮她去找房子?"
"是的,先生."
"那是为了什么?"
"因为她对本城情况不太熟悉,以为也许我能告诉她哪儿能找到一个叫她租得起的好房间."
"那末,她在吉尔平家租下的那个房间,就是你给她指点的?"
"不是,先生,我可没有.我从来没有给她指点过任何房子,是她自己找到的."(他毕竟记得事先关照过自己就该这么回答的)
"可你为什么没有帮她呢?"
"因为我很忙,白天忙,几乎晚上也很忙.再说,我觉得,该找怎么样的房子,同哪一些人住在一起,以及其他一切——她自己可要比我更清楚——"
"在她搬去以前,你自己有没有去看过吉尔平家?"
"没有,先生."
"在她搬去以前,你有没有跟她谈过,她租下的房间条件应该怎么样——比方说,进出方便不方便,地点隐蔽不隐蔽,如此等等?"
"没有,先生,这些我从来也没有跟她谈过."
"比方说,你从来没有坚持要求她租下的房间,必须是你不管在白天还是黑夜溜进溜出,都得不让别人看见?"
"我从来也没有过.再说,任何人在那幢房子里溜进溜出都休想不让人看见."
"那是为什么呢?"
"因为她的房门就在大门口的右边,大家都从那里出出进进,所以,每个人都能在这里发现陌生人."这是他记住的另一句话.
"不过,反正你也照样溜进溜出的,可不是?""嗯,是的,先生——您知道,是这样的:我们俩一开头就讲定了,不管在什么地方,总是不让人们看见我们俩在一起,反正越少越好."
"是为了那条厂规吗?"
"是的,先生——就是为了那条厂规."
接下来讲到:由于某某小姐闯进了他生活以后,引起了他跟罗伯达的种种纠葛.
"现在,克莱德,我们就得略微谈一谈这一位某某小姐的事.由于被告和原告双方的协议,并得到了你们陪审团列位先生充分谅解——我们只能偶尔提一提这个问题,既然这儿涉及到的是一个纯属无辜的人,反正也没有什么必要在这儿公开她的真名实姓了.不过,有若干事实必须触及到,尽管为了那个无辜的活着的人,正如为了那个可敬的死者一样,我们将尽可能越少触及越好.我深信,奥尔登小姐要是今天还活着,对此也一定会赞同的.不过,现在谈到某某小姐,"杰夫森身子侧转过去,冲克莱德继续说."我们双方意见早已达成一致,认为:你是在去年十一月或是十二月在莱柯格斯跟她相识的.这是正确的,可不是?"
"是的,先生,这是正确的,"克莱德伤心地回答说.
"而且,你马上就热烈地爱上了她?"
"是的,先生.这是千真万确的."
"她有钱,是吧?"
"是的,先生."
"她很美?"
"我相信,大家都承认她很美,"杰夫森原是昭告所有出庭的人们,既不需要,也没想到克莱德居然会回答.殊不知后者早已训练有素,这时照样对答如流地回答说:"是的,先生."
"你们俩——我是说你和奥尔登小姐——在你头一次见到某某小姐的时候,是不是已经发生了刚才说过的那种不正当的关系?"
"是的,先生."
"嗯,现在,既然由于这种种情况——可是,不,再等一下,还有别的事,我可得先问问你——现在,让我想一想——在你头一次见到这位某某小姐的时候,你还是爱着罗伯达·奥尔登的,是吧?还是——不是?"
"我还爱着她——是的,先生."
"至少到那时为止,你对她还没有感到厌倦,是吧?还是——不是?"
"不,先生.我可还没有呢."
"你觉得她的爱以及跟她的交往,还是如同过去一样可贵,一样让你感到快活吗?"
"是的,先生,是这样."
克莱德说这话时也就是在回顾往事.在他看来,刚才他说的,确实是真话.恰在他跟桑德拉相遇以前,说真的,正是他跟罗伯达交往处在最美满的顶峰.
"在你跟这位某某小姐相识以前,你和奥尔登小姐对未来的打算,要是有的话,你也就谈一谈?那时,想必你一定想到过,可不是?"
"嗯,那可不完全是这样."(这时,克莱德忐忑不安地舔舔自己干枯了的嘴唇)"您知道,我事先从来没有真正想过做任何一件事情——就是说,做任何对不起她的事.当然罗,她也从来没有想过这类事.一开头,我们就是仅仅有点儿随事情自由发展.也许全得怪我们在那里实在太孤单无聊了.她在莱柯格斯什么人都没有.我呢也是一样.加上还有那条厂规,使我哪儿都没法带她一块去.但只要我们待在一块时,当然罗,我们就只管乱扯淡,不大想到那条厂规了,我想——我们俩都是这样."
"你就是仅仅有点儿随事情自由发展,因为暂时还没有发生过什么事,你也没有想到可能会发生什么事.是不是这样?""不,先生.我是说,是的,先生.原来就是这样."克莱德心里恨不得把彩排过好多遍,而且跟他生死攸关的答话一字不差地重复念叨一遍.
"不过,想必你们一定想到过什么——不管是你们里头的哪一个,还是你们两个.要知道,今年你二十一岁,她已是二十三岁了."
"是的,先生.我想,我们想倒是想到过的——我觉得,有时我确实是想到过什么的."
"那你想到过什么呢?你记得起来吗?"
"嗯,是的,先生.我想,我还记得起来呗.那是这样的,我记得很清楚,有时我曾经想到过:如果说一切顺顺当当,我多积攒一点钱,她上别处觅到一个事由,那我到哪儿都可以公开带她一块去.以后,也许我就跟她结婚,只要她跟我还是象往日里那样相亲相爱的话."
"那末,你的确想到过跟她结婚,是吧?"
"是的,先生.我知道,当然罗,我的确想到过的,就象刚才所说的那样."
"不过,那是在你跟这位某某小姐相遇以前,是吧?"
"是的,先生,是在以前啦."
("演得真帅!"梅森挖苦地向本州参议员雷德蒙喃喃低语说."精彩的演出,"雷德蒙当即回答说,仿佛是舞台上演员的低声耳语,是存心要让人们听到的.)
"不过,这么具体的话你对她说过吗?"杰夫森接着说."哦,没有,先生.我可记不得以前我曾经说过——就是没有说得那么具体."
"要么你跟她说过,要么你就没有跟她说呗.嘿,到底是说过,还是没说过?"
"嗯,说真的,全都不是.我时常跟她说,我爱她,还说我永远不希望她离开我,因此希望她也永远不会离开我."
"不过没有说过你要跟她结婚?"
"没有,先生.没有说过我要跟她结婚."
"嗯,嗯,敢情好!那末,她——她说些什么来着?""说她永远不会离开我,"克莱德费劲地、胆怯地回答说,心里却想到了罗伯达最后呼喊声和她的那一双直勾勾地盯住他的眼睛.他从口袋里掏出一方手绢,开始揩擦他那汗涔涔、冷冰冰的脸和手.
("演得可帅啦!"梅森挖苦地低声咕哝着说."好乖巧,好乖巧!"雷德蒙低声评论道.)
"不过,告诉我,"杰夫森用一种轻柔、冷静的语调继续说."你对奥尔登小姐既然有那样的感情,怎么会一见到这位某某小姐就变得这么快?难道你是那样反复无常,连自己都不知道你的思想感情一天一个样吗?"
"嗯,在那个时候以前,我可不是那么想的——先生,我可不是那样的!"
"在你跟奥尔登小姐相遇以前,过去你正经八百地谈过恋爱吗?"
"没有谈过,先生."
"不过,你是不是认为跟奥尔登小姐谈的是正经八百的爱情——一种真正的爱情——一直到你跟这一位某某小姐相识以前."
"是的,先生,我就是这么想的."
"打这以后——又怎么样呢?"
"嗯——打这以后——就跟过去完全不一样了."
"你的意思是说,打从一见到某某小姐、跟她碰过一两次面以后,你就压根儿不爱奥尔登小姐了吗?"
"嗯,不,先生.不完全是这样,"克莱德马上坦诚相告说."我照旧有点儿爱她,说实话,还是很爱她的.不过,在我还没有来得及闹明白以前,我差不多早已昏头昏脑了——为了某某小姐."
"是呀,为了这位某某小姐,我们知道.你完全丧失了理智,就象发疯似的爱上了她.不就是这样吗?"
"是的,先生."
"那后来呢?"
"嗯——后来——说实在的,我再也不能象过去那样爱奥尔登小姐了."克莱德说这话时,前额上、脸颊上早已是汗涔涔了.
"我懂了!我懂了!"杰夫森为了要让陪审团和列席听众留下深刻印象,就象雄辩家一样大声说."一件天方夜谭式的案子,里头既有令人神魂颠倒的女巫,也有中了魔法的男人嘛."
"我可闹不明白您说的意思,"克莱德说.
"一件描述迷人的魔法的案子,我可怜的孩子——原来有一个人被姿色、爱情和财富着了魔,被我们有时巴不得多多益善但又永远得不到的东西迷住了——我刚才说的,就是这个意思.反正人世间的爱情很多就是这么一回事."
"是的,先生,"克莱德怪天真地回答说,同时正确地认定:
这不外乎是杰夫森要露一下自己的辩才罢了.
"不过,我要知道的是——既然正如你自己所说的,你很爱奥尔登小姐,而且发展到应该通过婚姻形式而成为一种正当关系——那到底怎么搞的,你对她如此缺乏责任感或则说缺乏感激之情,居然为了这位某某小姐而顿时产生了抛弃她的念头呢?现在,告诉我们,究竟是怎么搞的?这我倒是很想知道.而且,我深信,陪审员他们也很想知道.你那感恩的意识上哪儿去了?你那道德上的责任心又上哪儿去了?难道说这些东西你一丁点儿都没有吗?我们倒是很想知道."
说真的,这才是真正的反诘问——矛头对准自己一方的证人.不过,杰夫森所说的并未越出他的权限范围,所以,梅森也就不好加以干预.
"嗯……"说到这里,克莱德迟疑了一会儿,说话开始支吾起来,仿佛这些问题事先并没有关照过他应该如何回答似的.他看起来好象是实际上也真的是在想方设法要把这一切都解释清楚.要知道,尽管本来他早就应该把这答案记住了,但在法庭上真的碰到这个问题,而且又是在莱柯格斯时总让他心慌意乱的老问题,他也就记不清楚应该怎么按照人家关照过他的口径来回答了.相反,他只好转弯抹角地摸索了好半天,最后才这样开了腔,说:
"事实是这些事我压根儿还没有去想呢.在我跟她相遇以后,我就再也不可能去想了.有时,我也曾经努力去想过,可是结果呢,我什么都想不出来.我觉得自己需要的只是她,而再也不是奥尔登小姐了.我知道这样是要不得的——是的,当然罗,要不得的——并且,我还为罗伯达感到难过——不过,尽管这样,好象我还是什么办法也没有.我心里想的只能是某某小姐.而且,尽管我作过多大努力,我还是不能像过去那样惦着罗伯达了."
"你这是说:你并没有由于这个原因而让自己良心上觉得痛苦吗?"
"不,先生,我是觉得痛苦的,"克莱德回答说."我知道我自己做得不对,因而使我不管对她也好,对我自己也好,都感到非常苦恼.但是,不管怎么说,好象我还是没有别的更好办法."(他这是在重复念叨杰夫森事前替他拟定好的答话;这些话他头一次看到时觉得十分真实.他内心也感到有点儿痛苦.)
"那后来呢?"
"嗯,后来她开始嘀嘀咕咕了,怨我不象过去那样常去看她了."
"换句话说,你开始不睬她了."
"是的,先生,是有一点儿——但并不是完全不睬她——
不是的,先生."
"嗯,当你发现自己如此迷恋这位某某小姐的时候,你在举止谈吐上有过哪些表现?你有没有找过奥尔登小姐,说你再也不爱她了,你爱的是另一个女人?"
"不,我可没有.那时候从来也没有过."
"为什么那时候从来也没有过?你认为同时向两位姑娘求爱是很光明正大的吗?"
"不,先生,不过,情况也并不完全是这样.您知道,那时候我才不过刚刚跟某某小姐结识,我什么还没有跟她说哩.谅她也不会让我这么办的.但是,不管怎么说,那时我还是知道自己再也不爱奥尔登小姐了."
"不过,关于奥尔登小姐这样要求你,你怎么看呢?她不让你去追求另外一个姑娘,你认为她有足够的理由应该这么做吗?"
"是的,先生."
"那时候你为什么还是去追求呢?"
"我实在抵抗不住她的魅力."
"你意思是说某某小姐?"
"是的,先生."
"因此,你就继续追求她,直到你逼使她爱上了你?"
"不,先生,压根儿不是这样."
"那末,究竟是怎么样呢?"
"我无非是常在各处跟她见见面,对她着了迷.""这我明白了.不过,你还是并没有去找奥尔登小姐,说你再也不爱她了?"
"没有去找,先生.当时,我可没有说过."
"为什么没有去找?"
"因为,我心里想,这样会让她伤心的.我可不愿意让她心里难过."
"得了,我明白了.恐怕是你在道德上或是思想上没有胆量对她说实话吧?"
"什么道德上或是思想上的胆量,我可不懂,"克莱德回答说,反正杰夫森用了这么一个词儿来形容他,不免使他有点儿伤心和反感."不过,不管怎么说,我还是替她感到难过.她动不动就哭,我可不忍心向她和盘托出."
"我明白了.得了,只要你愿意的话,那个问题就算是这样吧.不过,现在你得回答我另外一个问题.你们俩之间的关系——说说到底怎么样——在你心里明白你再也不爱她以后——这种关系还能继续下去吗?"
"嗯,不,先生,反正继续不了多久,"克莱德回答时,露出极端紧张和羞涩的神色.他心里想到了此时此刻法庭大厅里、在他面前的所有听众——还有他的母亲——桑德拉——以及整个美国的人——他们都会从报刊上获悉他在回答时所说的话.好几个星期以前,这些问题头一次交给他看时,他就问过杰夫森到底有什么用处.杰夫森回答说:"能起到教育作用嘛.只要我们越是能出奇制胜地运用生活中的具体事例使他们为之震惊,那就越是容易使他们在考虑你的问题症结时更加合乎情理.不过,现在你用不着为这事伤脑筋.到时候,你只管回答他们的问题,别的事都交给我们就得了.我们自然知道该怎么去对付的."于是,克莱德又补充说:
"您知道,我一见到某某小姐以后,就再也不象过去那样爱她了,因此,我也就不再象往日里那样常去找她了.但是,不管怎么说,反正在这以后不久,她已有了身孕,那时候——嗯——"
"我明白了.那大概是在什么时候?"
"去年一月下旬."
"这事发生以后,又是怎样呢?你是不是觉得,在这种情况之下,你有责任跟她结婚?"
"嗯,不——在当时的情况下,不是的——我这是说,只要我能使她摆脱困境的话."
"为什么不?你说'在当时的情况下',到底是什么意思?"
"嗯,您知道,那正是刚才我对您说过的.我再也不爱她了.既然我没有答应过跟她结婚,而且,这她自己也知道,我心里想,只要我帮她摆脱困境,然后告诉她,我再也不象过去那样爱她,那样就很公平了."
"但是,你说帮助她摆脱,行不行?"
"不行,先生.不过,我曾经试过."
"你去找过那个在这里作过证的药房掌柜吗?"
"是的,先生."
"还找过别的什么人?"
"找过的,先生——我一连找过另外七个人,最后才寻摸到一点儿东西."
"可是,你寻摸到的东西灵不灵呢?"
"不灵,先生."
"还有那个在这里作证说你找过他的、专卖男子服饰用品的年轻商人,你去找过没有?"
"找过的,先生."
"他给你讲过那位医生的名字吗?"
"嗯——他讲过——不过,我可不愿说出是哪一位.""得了,你不说就不说吧.不过,你有没有让奥尔登小姐去找过那位医生?"
"找过的,先生."
"是她一个人去的,还是你陪她一块去的?"
"是我陪她一块去的——只是把她送到大门口."
"为什么只送到大门口?"
"嗯,这是我们商量好的.而且,不论她也好,还是我也好,大家觉得那样也许更好些.当时我钱也不太多.我想,要是她一个人去,医生也许乐意帮助她,收诊金就会比我们两人一块去要少得多."
("真见鬼,他竟然先下手,把我的雷电①全给偷了,"这时梅森就这样暗自思忖道."本来我打算问倒格里菲思的问题,现在大半都给他抢走了."他虽然正襟危坐着,但心里却很烦.这时,伯利、雷德蒙和厄尔·纽科姆,对杰夫森的意图全都看得一清二楚了.)
①此处"雷电"一词,意指谴责、攻击某人时的主要论据.此词源于J·丹尼斯(1657—1734)就莎剧《麦克佩斯》演出时运用人造电声这一声响效果所发表的批评性意见.
"我明白了.也许这会不会是因为你深怕这件事说不定会被你伯父或是某某小姐听到了?"
"哦,是的,我……我是说,这一点我们俩都想到了,也谈到过了.我在那里做事、当主管等等情况,她是知道的."
"可是,有关某某小姐的事就不知道?"
"是的,有关某某小姐的事就不知道."
"那为什么不知道?"
"嗯,因为我觉得当时还不应该告诉她.不然就会让她太难受.我想要等一等,让她身子好一些再说."
"然后告诉她,而且把她抛弃了.你的意思是不是这样?"
"嗯,是的,要是我觉得再也不能象过去那样爱她了——
是的,先生."
"不过,要是她仍然处境困难你就不会抛弃她?""嗯,是的,先生,要是她仍然处境困难我就不会这么做.但是,您要知道,当时,我还是指望我能帮她摆脱困境的.""我明白了.不过,她怀了孕,是不是使你对她的态度受到影响——使你情愿放弃这位某某小姐,跟奥尔登小姐结婚,这样一来,一切都给纠正过来了?"
"嗯,没有,先生——当时还不完全是这样——我是说,当时还不是这样."
"你说'当时还不是这样'——到底是什么意思?"
"嗯,正如我早就对您说过,后来我确实有过那样想法——不过当时还没有——那是后来的事——是在我们动身去艾迪隆达克斯旅游以后."
"为什么在那时候还没有?"
"我早已说过为什么了.我几乎被某某小姐弄得神魂颠倒,满脑子想的就是她."
"即使在那时候,你对奥尔登小姐的态度也还没有改变?""没有,先生.我虽然觉得怪难过,但是我没有别的办法."
"我明白了.不过,暂且不去管它吧.反正回头我还要提到这个问题.现在,我倒是希望你——如果你觉得可以的话——不妨向陪审团说说清楚:这位某某小姐倘若跟奥尔登小姐相比,究竟如何,她怎么会使你如此倾倒,以致她在你心目中似乎更加值得追求.就是只讲讲举止、谈吐、容貌、心胸,或是社会地位等方面的特点——或是谈谈究竟是什么东西,居然使你对她如此痴迷不悟?你自己明白吧?"
这个问题,不论贝尔纳普也好,杰夫森也好,都根据心理、法律和个人等各种原因,并通过各种不同方式,不止一次地向克莱德提出过,但每次得到的结果却都不一样.开头,他压根儿不愿谈到桑德拉,深怕不管他说了什么话都会被人抓住,会在庭审时、报刊上,连同她的芳名一再被提到.但是后来,由于各地报刊对她的真名实姓,一概保持缄默,分明她是不会上报刊丢丑了,这时他方才比较放开地谈到了她.可是此时此地,在法庭上,他却又一次显得心慌不安和缄口不语了."嗯,您知道,这很难说清楚.在我看来,她是个美人儿,比罗伯达可要美得多——但还不仅仅是这样.她跟早先我见过的哪一个姑娘都不一样——更加独立不羁——而且,不管她做什么,说什么,大家对她可都是全神贯注.我觉得她好象比过去我认识的哪一个人都知道得多.再说,她穿着很漂亮,非常有钱,来自上流社会,报刊上常常提到她的名字,刊登她的照片.不管哪一天,哪怕是我没跟她见面,我总能在报刊上看到她的消息报道,我就觉得她好象时时刻刻跟我在一起似的.而且,她还非常大胆——不象奥尔登小姐那么单纯,那么依赖人——开头,我简直很难相信她竟然会对我如此感到兴趣.后来她使我再也不会想到别的什么人或是别的什么事了,于是,我就感到再也不会要罗伯达了.我就是不会要了——要知道某某小姐时时刻刻在我跟前了."
"嗯,依我看,也许是你已坠入情网,简直着了迷吧,"克莱德话音刚落,杰夫森就这样以暗示方式插话说,又用他右眼角直瞅着陪审团."如果说这还不是典型的情痴症状,那末,当我看到真的情痴症状时,恐怕也都辨认不出来了."可是,全场听众也好,陪审团也好,听了他的发言,脸儿还是冷冰冰的,如同石板一样.
但紧接着就碰到所谓阴谋这一难题了.因为寻根究底,所有其他事情都是从这里引发出来的.
"嗯,那末,克莱德,在这以后,又发生了什么事?现在就你还记得的,详细给我们说一说.既不要避重就轻,也不要把自己说得比实际上还要好或是还要坏.她死了,说不定到头来你也得死,要是这里的十二位先生最终作出这么一个决定的话."(这些话似一阵刺骨严寒,进入了克莱德全身,也弥漫了整个大厅里人们的肌体)"不过,为了你自己灵魂的安宁,你最好还是要说真话."说到这里,杰夫森心里马上想到了梅森——不妨看看他能不能把它驳回去.
"是的,先生,"克莱德坦率地回答说.
"嗯,既然她有了身孕,你又不能帮助她,那后来又怎样呢?那时你做了些什么?怎么做的?……再说,等一等——那时候你的薪水有多少?"
"每星期二十五块美元,"克莱德实话实说.
"没有其他收入来源?"
"对不起,我可没有听清楚."
"那时候你有没有其他来源,让你好歹得到一些其他的收入."
"没有,先生."
"你的住房租金是多少?"
"每星期七块美元."
"那你膳食呢?"
"哦,大约五、六块美元."
"还有其他开销吗?"
"有,先生——我要买衣服,还有洗衣费."
"也许你去上流社会应酬交际,也还得破费,可不是?"
"抗议,这是诱导性的提问,"梅森当即大声嚷道.
"支持异议,"奥伯沃泽法官回答说.
"你想得起来还有什么其他的花费没有?"
"是啊,还有买电车票、火车票.此外,不管上流社会有什么交际活动,我也还得到场."
"还是刚才那一套!"梅森勃然大怒地嚷道."我可希望您千万别在这里再诱导这只鹦鹉了."
"我希望尊敬的地方检察官只要管好自己的事就得了!"杰夫森喷着鼻息说——一是为了克莱德,同时也是为了自己.他真巴不得借此破除克莱德惧怕梅森的心理障碍."现在,我是在讯问这位被告.至于说鹦鹉不鹦鹉嘛,头几个星期我们就在这儿见过不算少,训练得活象死记硬背的小学生.""这是恶意毁谤!"梅森大声吼道."我抗议,要求赔礼道歉."
"法官阁下,您看多奇怪,应该是向我和这位被告赔礼道歉,而且还得马上赔礼道歉,只要法官阁下暂时宣布休庭几分钟就得了."说完,他径直走到梅森跟前,找补着说,"而且,就是没有庭方的帮助,我也照样可以办到."这时,梅森以为自己要挨揍,也就摆好了架势;庭警、助理执法官、速记员、记者,还有法庭上的那个录事一下子都围拢来,把两个律师全给抓住了.奥伯沃泽法官使劲用他的小木锤敲打桌子,大声喊道:
"先生们!先生们!你们两个都是藐视法庭!你们务必向法庭赔礼道歉,然后互相赔礼道歉.要不然,我要宣布审判无效,并将你们两人各拘押十天,每人罚款五百块美元."他在说话时俯下身子,眉头紧皱,两眼直盯着他们两个人.杰夫森马上非常乖觉、讨好地回答说:"在这种情况下,法官阁下,我就向您,向人民的检察官,向陪审团赔礼道歉.我觉得地方检察官对这位被告的攻击,似乎太不公正,太没有道理——我的话完了."
"别管它,"奥伯沃泽接话说.
"在这种情况下,法官阁下,我向您和被告的辩护律师赔礼道歉.也许是我有一点儿性急了.哦,也向这位被告赔礼道歉,"梅森冷笑地说,先是看看奥伯沃泽法官正在冒火、毫不妥协的眼睛,随后看看克莱德的眼睛,但克莱德的目光却一下子缩回去,转向别处.
"继续下去,"奥伯沃泽法官怒咻咻地大声咕哝着说."现在,克莱德,"杰夫森又继续讯问被告,瞧他神态那么泰然,仿佛刚才引起这一场风波,只不过是划了一根火柴,随手又扔掉了一样."你说你的薪水是二十五块美元,还有一些零星开支.到这时为止,你能不能积攒一点钱,以防万一?"
"没有,先生——没有多少——说实话,几乎没有什么钱."
"嗯,得了,万一奥尔登小姐去找的那位医生倒是乐意帮她的忙,但要收诊金,比方说,索价一百块美元左右——你能付得起吗?"
"付不起,先生——我是说,不能一下子付清."
"你知不知道,她自己身边有钱吗?"
"不,先生——据我所知,没有."
"嗯,那时候你打算怎样帮助她呢?"
"嗯,我想,不管是她也好,还是我也好,只要找到一个医生,同意我分期拨还,那我也许就能积攒一点钱,用这种方式逐期付清."
"我明白了.你是真的诚心这么做,是吧?"
"是的,先生,当然罗."
"你就跟她这么说过了,是吧?"
"是的,先生,这个她知道."
"嗯,你和她都找不到一个能帮助她的医生——那后来又怎样呢?下一步你怎么办?"
"嗯,那时她就要我跟她结婚."
"马上结婚?"
"是的,先生,马上结婚."
"你对这事又是怎么说的呢?"
"我跟她说,我一下子实在办不到.我压根儿没有钱结婚.再说,即使有钱结了婚,要是我不到外地去避避风头——至少躲到小孩子生下来——那末,蛛丝马迹谁都会发现,到那时候,我就在那里丢了饭碗.就是她也一样."
"为什么呢?"
"嗯,我的亲戚呗,我觉得,他们就再也不会让我留在厂里了,而且,对她也是一样."
"我明白了.他们会认为你们两个都不适合做这个工作,是不是这样?"
"反正我就是这么想的,"克莱德回答说.
"那后来怎么样呢?"
"嗯,问题是:哪怕我想跟她一块出走,跟她结婚——本来我就没有那么多钱,她也是一样——我就得先丢掉我眼前的工作,跑到外地去另觅一个工作,然后才能把她接过去.此外,我可压根儿不知道有哪个地方,我去了以后就能赚到如同我在莱柯格斯时那么多的钱."
"到旅馆做事,怎么样?你能不能重操旧业呢?"
"嗯,也许会的——只要我能寻摸到介绍信之类的东西.
不过,我可不乐意重操旧业."
"为什么不乐意?"
"嗯,我再也不爱干那种工作了——不喜欢那种生活.""不过,你的意思并不是说:你压根儿什么也不乐意干,是吧?这可不是你的意愿,是吧?"
"啊,不,先生.一点儿不是这样.我对她直话直说,只要她能暂时——她生孩子的时候——离开这里——让我继续待在莱柯格斯,我可以尽量省吃俭用,把我节省下来的钱涓涓滴滴都寄给她,一直到她又可以独自挣钱时为止."
"但是你并不跟她结婚?"
"不,先生,我当时并不觉得自己有能力办到."
"这事她对你是怎么说的?"
"她可不同意.她说,她既不能,也不愿就这么挺过去,除非我得跟她结婚."
"我明白了.就在那个时候马上结婚?"
"是的,先生——越快越好.她同意再等一等,不过,她不愿意走,除非我得跟她结婚."
"你跟她说过你再也不爱她了吗?"
"嗯,差不离——是的,先生."
"你这个'差不离'——是什么意思?"
"嗯,我是说……我可不愿意结婚.再说,她知道我再也不爱她了.她自己就这么说过的."
"是她那时对你说的?"
"是的,先生.说过好多回了."
"嗯,是的,这是实话——就是在这里念过的她所有那些信里头也都有.可是,当她坚决拒绝走时,你又怎么办呢?""嗯,我也不知道该怎么办才好.不过,我想,也许,要是我能让她暂时回老家去小住,同时,让我试试看,能积攒多少钱,嗯……也许……等她一到了家里,知道我是多么不愿意跟她结婚——"(克莱德顿住了一会儿,开始嗫嚅起来.如此撒谎,也真不易呀)
"嗯,往下说吧.要记住,说真的,哪怕说出来你觉得怪丢脸,毕竟要比撒谎强嘛."
"我想也许是在她感到更加害怕,再也不那么坚决的时候——"
"不是你自己也害怕吗?"
"是的,先生,我害怕."
"得了,往下说吧."
"那是这样——嗯——也许,要是我把那时自己积攒下来的钱全都给了她——您知道,当时我以为,也许我还可以从别人那里借钱——那她说不定就愿意走,不会逼我跟她结婚了——无非是住在别处,让我接济她罢了."
"我明白了.但是这一点她不同意呢?"
"嗯,不同意——我不跟她结婚,她不同意——不过回老家小住一个月,她是同意的.我只是没能说服她,没能做到让她说她愿意让我走."
"不过,你在那时,或是在那以前或是以后说过你要上那儿去,跟她结婚吗?"
"没有,先生.我从来没有说过."
"那你对她究竟是怎么说的?"
"我说……只要我一张罗到钱,"这时,克莱德开始结巴起来,他感到那么心慌,那么丢脸."大约在一个月以内,我会到她那里去,我们可以一块去什么地方,一直到——一直到——
嗯,这一切告终时为止."
"不过,你没有对她说过你要跟她结婚吗?"
"没有,先生.我可没有说过."
"可是她,当然罗,要你跟她结婚."
"是的,先生."
"当时你没有想到过她可能强迫你这么做的——我是说,逼你跟她结婚?"
"没有,先生,我可没有想到过.我只要全力以赴,恐怕就不会那样的.我心里已有了打算,能等多久就等多久,自己尽可能把钱都节省下来.以后,时间一到,干脆拒绝跟她结婚,把我所有的钱通通给了她,而且,从此以后,我还要尽力帮助她."
"可是你知道,"这时,杰夫森开始用一种非常殷勤、讨好,而又委婉的语调说,"奥尔登小姐写给你的那些信里,有好多地方提到过,"接着——他把手伸过去,从地方检察官的桌子上把罗伯达的那些原信捡起来,煞有介事地放在手上掂了一下分量——"提到过一个与这次旅游相关的你们两人的计划——或是说,看起来至少她认为你有这么一个计划.现在,这个计划究竟是什么?如果我记得不错,她清清楚楚地提到过,说它是'我们的计划'."
"这我知道,"克莱德回答说——因为这个问题他跟贝尔纳普和杰夫森曾经讨论过整整两个月."不过,我所知道的唯一计划,"——说到这里,他竭尽全力装出坦率而又令人信服的样子——"就是我一再提出过的那个计划."
"这究竟是什么呢?"
"当然罗,就是:她暂时到某个地方租一个房间,让我来帮助她,我还可以不时去看看她."
"哦,不,这你可说错了,"杰夫森居心叵测地回答说."这既不是,也不可能是她所说的那个计划.她在一封信里说,她知道你该有多难受,因为你还得要走,跟她分开那么久,或是说一直等到她身体复原,不过,这实在也是没有办法的事.""是的,我知道,"克莱德回答时,按照事前吩咐他那样既灵快、又准确."不过,这是她的计划,不是我的计划.她常常对我说,这正是她要我做的事,而且还说我非做不可.她在电话里也这样跟我说过好几次.也许我答话时说过'好吧','好吧',这一类的话.但这并不是说:我完全同意她的想法,只不过打算过些时候跟她再谈这件事."
"我明白了.所以,你心里就想——她认为是这样,而你却认为是那样."
"嗯,我从来也没有同意过她的计划——这我很清楚.也就是说,我只是一直要求她等着,不要采取什么行动,一俟我积攒了足够的钱,那时我就上她那里去,再一次跟她谈谈,怎样说服她走,如同我刚才说过的那样——除了以上这些,我再也没有说过什么."
"但是,如果说她偏偏不同意你的计划,又怎么样呢?"
"嗯,那我就想把某某小姐的事告诉她,恳求她给我自由呗."
"如果说她还是坚持不放呢?"
"嗯,那时候,我想也许我可以逃走,不过,这事我可不愿想得太多."
"你当然知道,克莱德,这里有人认为,大约在那个时候,你心里就开始策划犯罪阴谋:编造假名,隐瞒你和她的身份,引诱她到艾迪隆达克斯山区某个荒凉湖上,残酷地把她杀害或是淹死,为了你也许可以自由地跟这位某某小姐结婚.那末,这究竟是真的吗?回答陪审团——是,或者不是——究竟是前者,还是后者?"
"不是!不是!我从来没有谋害过她,或是谋害过任何一个人,"克莱德抗议说,而且说话时相当引人注目,两手抓住自己座椅的扶手,按照事先关照他的那样,竭尽全力说得斩钉截铁.同时,他猛地从座位上站了起来,竭力装出很坚定而又令人信服的神态,尽管他心里清晰地意识到:他是这么策划过的.这时,正是这种可怕、痛苦的意识使他浑身力量顿时消失殆尽.法庭大厅里所有的人们的目光,法官、陪审团、梅森,以及各报男女记者的目光,都注视着他.他的额角上又在冒冷汗,他忐忑不安地舔舔自己嘴唇,连咽下一口水也很费劲,因为他的嗓子眼早已收紧了.
随后是一封接一封念信,从罗伯达抵家后写给克莱德的那些信开始,一直到要求他去看她,否则她就要回莱柯格斯去告发他的那封信结束.杰夫森先是谈到"所谓的"阴谋和罪行的各个方面,随后竭尽全力,要把迄至今日所有不利于克莱德的证词减至最少数量,而且到了最后还要通通都给推翻.
克莱德不给罗伯达写信一事,人们都认为很可疑.是啊,原来他是害怕在他的亲戚、他的工作和其他一切方面引起麻烦.他跟罗伯达约好在方达碰头,也是出于这种考虑.那时,他压根儿还没有要她一块去某地旅游的计划哩.他只是模模糊糊地想到——不管是在什么地方——跟她碰头,而且有可能说服她离开他.但是,七月虽然已到,他的计划还不是那么明确,他首先想到的就是,他们不妨出城,到某个花钱不多的避暑胜地去.正是罗伯达在尤蒂卡时提议去该地北边的一些湖上旅游.于是,他就是在那里的旅馆里——根本不是在火车站——寻摸到好几份地图和旅游指南——从某种意义上来说,这是引起争辩的一个致命的论点.因为,梅森已经找到一份旅游指南,封面上还盖有莱柯格斯旅馆的印章,这一点当时克莱德却并没有注意到.而梅森在听他作证时心里却想到了这件事.至于克莱德从莱柯格斯动身时悄悄地走后街一事——啊,当然罗,就是要使他跟罗伯达一起出门的事保守秘密,其目的仅仅是为了保护她和他自己的名声,以免外界流言蜚语.至于两人分开坐在不同车厢,下榻旅社登记时自报克利福德·戈尔登夫妇等等,整整一系列鬼鬼祟祟、遮遮掩掩的行径,目的也全都在此.至于两顶帽子的事,啊,无非是因为旧的一顶给弄脏了,他随便看到一顶很中意,也就买下了.后来,在一次意外事故中把那顶帽子弄丢了,自然,他就戴上了另一顶.再说照相机嘛——当然罗,他是有的,而且还随身带着.六月十八日,他头一次上克兰斯顿家作客时,确实就用过那架照相机.开头他之所以矢口否认,不外乎是他深怕自己会跟罗伯达纯属意外身亡一事连在一起,使他有口难辩.从他在树林子里被捕那一刻起,就被诬告犯有谋杀罪;而且,他对这次倒霉的旅游期间所发生的事情与自己的关系,却是如此害怕,何况又没有哪一位律师,或是哪一个人出来替他说一句话.因此,他就认为最好什么都不说.果然,他在当时就什么都加以否认.虽然后来给他一请来了辩护律师,他马上就把本案真相告诉了他的律师.
至于丢失了的那套衣服,原因也一样.因为衣服早已湿透,又沾满了泥巴,他就在树林子里把它卷成小包,到克兰斯顿家以后,藏匿在那儿石头底下,原想过后再去把它取出来,送出去干洗的.但是,他跟贝尔纳普和杰夫森两位先生一见面,立刻告诉了他们;于是,他们把衣服找了出来,还替他洗干净了.
"不过现在,克莱德,就给我们谈谈你的计划,首先是你的这次湖上之行."
接下来的是——一个几乎跟杰夫森对贝尔纳普描述的完全一样的故事:他和罗伯达怎样到了尤蒂卡,后来又到了草湖.不过,当时谈不上有什么计划不计划.原来他打算万一碰上了最坏情况,索性把他对某某小姐白热化的爱情告诉她,争取她的同情和谅解,要求她给他自由.与此同时,他还想向她表表态,说他一定会尽力帮助她.她要是拒绝了,他就准备跟她完全破裂,必要时放弃一切,离开莱柯格斯.
"可是,当我先是在方达,以后在尤蒂卡,看到她那么一副疲惫的愁容,"说到这里,克莱德竭尽全力,让早就替他精心编好的那些话使人听起来觉得诚恳极了."而且又是那么孤苦无告的样子,我就又开始替她感到难过了."
"是啊,那后来呢?"
"嗯,当时我还是相当拿不准:要是她不肯给我自由,我是不是果真会把她抛弃了."
"嗯,那当时你决定怎么办呢?"
"当时还是什么也没有决定.我仔细听了她的话,并且试图让她明白:即使我跟她一块走了,要我给她做更多的事情,那也是难上难哪.我总共才只有五十块美元."
"是吗?"
"接着,她开始哭了.我就马上决定再也不能跟她说这件事了.她身子实在累坏了,而且心情又太激动.于是,我就问她有没有什么地方她乐意去玩上一两天,让自己精神振作起来,"克莱德继续说,只不过一说到这儿,因为他意识到自己简直是信口雌黄,也就曲里拐弯,吞吞吐吐,仿佛嗓子眼打嗝似的,这种典型的虚弱性,反正每当他想干一些自己力不能及的事,比如,说假话,或是露一手好技艺时,在他身上照例会表现出来——随后,他找补着说:"她就说有的,也许不妨到艾迪隆达克斯山区某个湖上去吧——至于哪一个湖,反正也无所谓——只要我们身边钱还够用就得了.当时我多半因为看到她心情极坏,就告诉她说,依我看,我们不妨去吧……"
"那你真的为了她才去那儿的吗?"
"是的,先生,就是为了她."
"我明白了.往下说吧."
"嗯,那时她就说,最好我到旅社楼下,或是上别处去寻摸一些旅游指南,也许我们就可以找到一个去处,在那儿我们花钱不会太多."
"你去寻摸过没有?"
"去寻摸过了,先生."
"嗯,那后来呢?"
"嗯,我们看了一下旅游指南,最后选定了草湖."
"是谁选定的.是你们一块选定的——还是她选定的?""嗯,旅游指南她拿了一份,我也拿了一份.她在自己那一份上看到那边一家旅社的广告,说两个人二十五块美元可住一星期,或是说两个人住一天则收五块美元.我觉得何不住上这么一天,那可再便宜也没有了."
"你原来只打算住一天吗?"
"不,先生.如果她乐意多待些时候,那我们就不妨时间长些.开头,我想,也许我们在那儿待上一两天,或是三天光景.反正要跟她把事情谈清楚,让她了解和明白我的处境,我可说不准,究竟需要多少时间."
"我明白了.那后来……"
"嗯,转天早上,我们就到草湖去了."
"两人还是分开坐在两节车厢?"
"是的,先生,两人是分开坐在两节车厢."
"你们到了那里以后呢?"
"嗯,我们就在旅客往来簿上登记了."
"怎么登记的?"
"克利福德·戈尔登夫妇."
"还是怕有人知道你是什么人吗?"
"是的,先生."
"你是不是想法让自己的笔迹多少也变一变?"
"是的,先生——稍微变了一下."
"不过,你总是用你自己名字的英文缩写——C．G．,究竟为了什么?"
"嗯,我想,我手提箱上的英文缩写,应该跟旅客登记簿上的姓名相符才行,可又不能用我的真名实姓."
"我明白了.你在这一方面很乖觉,但在另一方面又不是那么乖觉——仅仅是一半乖觉,而一半乖觉,这才是最最要不得的."梅森一听这话,差点儿从座位上站了起来,仿佛要提出异议,但后来显然一个闪念,又慢条斯理地坐了下去.杰夫森用自己的右眼,迅疾地、明察秋毫地又一次朝他右边的陪审团乜了一眼."那末,有关你本来打算把这件事了结的话,最后你告诉过她没有?"
"原来我想,我们一到了那里以后,就准备马上跟她谈这件事——反正转天早上非谈不可——可是,我们在那里一下车、住下来以后,她就开始唠唠叨叨对我说:只要我赶快跟她结了婚,她并不准备长时间同我生活在一起.她还说:她有点儿病了,很烦心,自己感到情绪很坏——那时她说但愿这一切顺顺当当过去,给小孩儿取一个名字.以后,她自己会走的,那时我也就得到自由了."
"那后来呢?"
"嗯,后来——后来,我们一块到了湖上——"
"哪一个湖上,克莱德?"
"当然是草湖.到了那儿以后,我们就出去划船了."
"马上去的?在午后?"
"是的,先生.她很想去哩.于是,当我们一块在湖上划船的时候——"(他顿住了一会儿)
"是啊,往下说吧."
"她又开始哭了.而我看得出来她几乎病倒了,很烦心,而且,好象她一筹莫展似的.所以,我心里就想,说到底,毕竟她是对的,我可错了——为了孩子和其他的一切一切,如果我不跟她结婚,是说不过去的.因此,我心里琢磨,最好还是跟她结婚吧."
"我明白了.你这是回心转意了.当时你有没有就在那里告诉了她?"
"没有,先生."
"那为什么没有?难道你还不觉得你就是害得她够苦的根子吗?"
"那还用说嘛,先生.不过,您要知道,那时我差不多准备跟她谈了——突然我又开始把我到达那里以前自己心里想过的所有事情又想了一遍."
"举个例子说说,是什么事呀?"
"啊,有关某某小姐,以及我在莱柯格斯的生活.还有,我们要是真的私奔,将会碰到哪些困难."
"原来是这样啊."
"而且……嗯……而且,那时,我简直没法对她说——反正那天可不行."
"那末,你是什么时候对她说的呢?"
"嗯,我跟她说别再哭了——还说,我想,也许只要她再给我一昼夜时间来考虑问题,该有多好——我还说,也许我们好歹能解决一些问题哩."
"那后来呢?"
"嗯,后来过了半晌,她说,她不喜欢草湖.她希望我们离开那里."
"她希望的?"
"是的.我们就又把地图端了出来,我还打听当地旅馆里的一个人,问他对近处湖泊熟悉不熟悉.那个人说,周围所有的湖就数大比腾最美了.大比腾过去我倒是去过的,我就连同那个人说的话一并告诉了罗伯达,于是,她反问说我们干吗不去那里呢?"
"所以你们就是这样才去那里吗?"
"是的,先生."
"没有其他的原因?"
"没有,先生——什么都没有——只不过这是回头路,也就是说,从草湖往南走.反正我们是沿着这条路往回走的."
"我明白了.那天是星期四,七月八号?"
"是的,先生."
"嗯,现在,克莱德,反正你也听过了:这些人们都告状说,你把奥尔登小姐带往草湖,还把她带到了湖上,唯一的预谋意图是要搞掉她——谋杀她——找一个不容易被人看见的僻静地点,接着,先用你的照相机,或是一支划桨,或是一条棍子,或是一块石头砸了她,最后把她淹死.现在,你对这件事还想说些什么?说是真的,或者说不是真的?"
"不,先生!这不是真的!"克莱德话音清晰,断然回答说."第一,我去那里,压根儿不是出于自愿.只是因为她不喜欢草湖,我才去那里的."说到这里,因为他原先没精打采地坐在座位上,这时就身子挺直,——正如事前关照过他的那样,尽量鼓起劲儿和信心来,望了陪审团和听众一眼,又找补着说:"而且,我使出了全部力量来好让她高兴些.我真是恨不得能逗得她——哪怕是一丁点儿——高兴也好."
"就在这个星期四,你是不是还跟头天一样替她感到难过呢?"
"是的,先生——我想也许更难过呢."
"下一步你想要做的事,那时你已下了最后决心吗?"
"是的,先生."
"嗯,那究竟是什么呢?"
"嗯,我已下了决心,要处理得尽量公平合理.这事我左想右想,想了一个通宵.我知道,要是我做她工作没能做到恰到好处的话,她一定会很难过,我呢也一样——因为她已有三四次说过,到时候她就会自杀的.那天早上,我已下了决心,不管这一天会发生什么情况,这件事非解决不可."
"这是在草湖.星期四早上,你还在旅馆里?是吧?"
"是的,先生."
"你究竟想告诉她些什么呢?"
"嗯,我想说:我知道自己对她很不好,我也很难过——此外,再说说她的建议很公平合理;说她如果听了我向她所说的那些话以后还是要嫁给我,那我就跟她一块私奔,跟她结婚了.不过,首先我必须把我之所以对她改变态度的真正原因告诉她——说我一直到现在还爱着另一位姑娘,这是我身不由己的事——看来不管我跟她结婚也好,不结婚也好——"
"你指的是奥尔登小姐?"
"是的,先生——还说我是会永远爱另一位姑娘,因为说实在的,我无时无刻不在想她.不过,要是罗伯达觉得这没有什么关系,我还是跟她结婚,哪怕我再也不能象过去那样爱她了.我要说的,就是这些."
"可是,对某某小姐怎么办呢?"
"当然罗,我也想到过她,但我觉得,她的境况比较好,受了打击也能顶得住.再说,我想,也许罗伯达会让我走的,那时我们照样还是朋友嘛,我愿尽自己的一切力量帮助她."
"你究竟有没有决定在哪里跟她结婚?"
"没有,先生.不过,我知道,过了大比腾和草湖还有很多市镇."
"不过,你是不是打算就这么干了,事前连一句话也不告诉某某小姐?"
"嗯,不,先生——不完全是这样.我心里估摸着,如果说罗伯达一点儿都不给我自由,但是宽放我离开她一两天,我就打算到某某小姐那儿去,向她说明情况,然后再回来.不过,要是罗伯达不赞成,那我就写信给某某小姐,说明情况,然后跟罗伯达结婚."
"我明白了.不过,克莱德,在这里出示过的各种证据里头,就有从奥尔登外套口袋里找到的那封信——是用草湖旅社的信纸写的,准备寄给她母亲的,她在那封信里告诉母亲说自己马上要结婚了.那天早上在草湖,你有没有对她说过你肯定跟她结婚?"
"没有,先生.不完全是那样,但是,那天起身的时候,我确实说过:今天对我们来说是具有决定性的日子,她可以自己决定,究竟要不要跟我结婚."
"嗯,我明白了.原来就是这么一回事,"杰夫森微微一笑,仿佛舒了一大口气似的.(梅森、纽科姆、伯利和本州参议员雷德蒙本来全都在洗耳恭听,这时几乎众口一词,低声喊道:"全是骗人的鬼话!")
"嗯,现在我们就来谈该旅游这件事.你也听过这里的证词,说你在这次旅游中每一个步骤都有着恶毒的动机和阴谋.现在,我要求你自己把这一切经过说一说.这里的证词都说,你们去大比腾时随身带着两只手提箱——你的和她的手提箱——不过,你到了冈洛奇以后,就把她的手提箱存放在冈洛奇,而你自己的手提箱却随身带到了小船上.你这样做,究竟是为了什么?请你讲一讲,让全体陪审员听一听.""嗯,原来是因为,"说到这里,他的嗓子眼又收紧了,差一点儿连话都说不出来."我们不知道在大比腾能不能吃上午饭,因此,我们决定从草湖自带一些食物.她的手提箱里装满了东西,但在我的手提箱里还有空地方.再说,里头放着我的照相机,外头还有三脚架.所以,我就决定让她的手提箱留下,把我的带走."
"是你决定的?"
"嗯,我问过她的意见,她说,她觉得这样更方便些."
"你是在哪个地方问她的?"
"在去冈洛奇的火车上."
"当时你知不知道你在湖上玩过以后要回冈洛奇吗?""是的,先生,我知道.我们非得回来不可.除此以外,没有别的路可走.在草湖时就有人对我们这么说的."
"乘车去大比腾的路上——你记不记得那位给你们开过车的司机的证词,说你'非常紧张不安',还说你问过他这一天大比腾游人多不多,是吧?"
"我记得,是的,先生,不过,什么紧张不安我可压根儿没有.也许我向他打听过那儿游人多不多,但我看不出这有什么不对头的地方.依我看,不管是谁都会这么打听的.""我也是这么看嘛,"杰夫森随声附和说."你在大比腾旅社登过记,跟奥尔登小姐一块上了小船,在湖上荡漾以后,就说说又怎样呢?不管是你也好,或是她也好,有没有显得特别忧心忡忡,或是紧张不安,或是跟湖上划船的一般游客有什么不同的地方?那时候,你是特别快活,或是特别忧郁——还是怎么的?"
"嗯,我觉得自己并没有什么特别忧郁——没有的,先生.当然罗,我心里正捉摸着我要告诉她的那些事,还有她在作出肯定或否定回答以后我将面临的问题.恐怕我是不会特别快活的.但是我想过,现在是不管走哪条路都可以.我已下了决心,愿意跟她结婚了."
"那末她呢?她心情好吗?"
"总的说来——是的,先生.不知怎的她似乎比过去快活得多."
"你跟她谈过些什么呢?"
"哦,先是谈这个湖——湖有多美,还有,我们肚子饿了,在哪儿进午餐等等.随后,我们沿着湖的西岸划去,四处寻觅睡莲.看来她心情很好,我不乐意在那时开始扯这类事.所以,我们只是一个劲儿划船,直到两点钟左右才登上岸进午餐."
"究竟是在哪个地点?你站起来,用教鞭在地图上指出来你们究竟划过哪些地方,待了多久——又是为了什么?"
于是,克莱德手执教鞭,伫立在跟这次悲剧关系特别密切的湖区大地图跟前,不厌其烦地指出了沿着湖岸长时间划船的路线,还有他们进过午餐以后就划船过去观看的那一片树林子——还有湖上那一隅,他们曾在那里流连忘返,采摘睡莲——以及他们停留过的每一个地方,直至下午五点钟光景到达了月潭.据他说,他们一见到月潭的美景就被迷住了,只是纹丝不动地坐在小船上欣赏着.随后,克莱德想拍几张照,他们便在邻近树林子的地方上了岸——这时,他一直准备要把某某小姐的事告诉罗伯达,请她作出最后决定.接着,他把手提箱留在岸上,他们又一块划船去了,并在小船上拍了好几张快照.然后,他们就在风平浪静、岑寂优美的湖光山色之中随波荡漾,直到最后,他方才鼓足勇气,把自己的心里话告诉了她.据他现在说,看来罗伯达起初大吃一惊,垂头丧气,开始哭了一会儿,说她还是不如死了的好——她没想到自己会如此倒霉.可是后来,他终于使她深信他心里感到难过,非常愿意改正过失时,她的神色就骤然为之一变,露出比较高兴的样子;接着,蓦然间,在一阵缱绻柔情和感恩的激情的迸发下——他简直说不出所以然来——她跳了起来,试图走到他身边来.她伸开胳膊,好象要跪倒在他脚下,或是投入他的怀抱.不过,就在这会儿,她的一只脚,或是她的衣服不知怎的被什么挂住了,她身子不由得东歪西倒了.他——手里拿着照相机(这是杰夫森在最后关头决定的,也可以说是一种正当的预防措施)——本能地站了起来,想要抓住她,以防她摔倒.也许——这一点,他还无法完全肯定——她的脸或是一只手跟照相机相撞了.反正在这一刹那,他还没有闹明白这是怎么一回事,而且不管是他也好,还是她也好,两人都来不及思考一下,或是采取什么行动,他们两人就掉到湖里去了.那条底儿朝天的小船,好象撞着了罗伯达,因为看样子她就那样昏迷过去了.
"我大声喊她设法游过去,靠近那条小船,一把抓住它,可是那条小船已经荡开去了.而她好象是没有听到我的话,或是没有听懂我的意思.开头,我害怕游过去跟她挨得太近,因为这时她两臂乱挥一气,正在湖水里拚命挣扎——我朝她那边游过去,刚划了十几下,她的头就沉了下去,一会儿又冒了出来,接着第二次又沉了下去.当时,那条小船已经漂到三四十英尺开外了,我知道自己没法把她拖到小船上去了.然后,我就决定,最好还是往岸边游过去,要不然连自己这条性命也都保不住了."
据克莱德现在说,他一上了岸,就突然想起了他当时亲临其境的种种情况,该有多么离奇而又令人可疑.现据他本人说,他突然觉得好象这次出门旅游一开头就很不妙.下榻旅社登记时报的是假名字.他的手提箱随身带着,而她的手提箱却偏偏没带去.再说,要是此刻回去,那就意味着他得对这一切作出解释,反而促使他跟罗伯达交往一事家喻户晓——他的一生也就此全完了——某某小姐呀、他的工作呀、他的社会地位呀,一切的一切通通完了——然而,要是他什么都不说(这么一个闪念,现据他发誓说,在当时还是头一次想到),也许人们会以为他也给淹死了.鉴于这一事实,加上当时他即使设法搭救她,反正也救不活她了,何况如实招供,只意味着给自己徒增麻烦,并让她蒙受奇耻大辱,于是,他就决定什么都不说.因此,为了不露痕迹起见,他就脱下自己身上湿漉漉的衣服,把它拧干,包好,小心翼翼地放进手提箱.随即他决定将原先和手提箱一起放在岸上的三脚架藏起来,后来果然也就藏了起来.他的一顶草帽,原是没有衬里的(不过,现在他声明,该帽衬里不见了,他可一点儿也不知道),既然在翻船时弄丢了,所以,他就戴上了身边另外一顶草帽,尽管他还有一顶鸭舌帽,本来他也可以戴的(他出门旅游时经常多带一顶帽子,因为只带一顶帽子,仿佛常常会碰到什么意外的).随后,他就想穿过树林子往南朝着铁路走去.他心里揣摸,那条铁路是按那个方向经过那座树林子的.当时,他并不知道有什么公路也打从那里经过.至于他为什么直奔克兰斯顿家,他却相当简单招认说,那是再自然也没有的事.因为他们是他的朋友.而且,他就是想去这么一个地方,他在那里能仔细想一想这晴天霹雳般骤然落到他头上的可怕事件.
克莱德进行作证,至此已有了这么长时间——而且,不管杰夫森也好,他本人也好,看来再也想不出还有什么别的事情了——杰夫森先是顿住了一会儿,然后掉过头来,非常清晰,却又相当安详地说:
"记住,克莱德,你在陪审团、这位法官,以及所有出庭的人们面前,尤其是在上帝面前庄严地发誓过,你说的是真相,全都是真相,只说真相,别的什么都不说.你知道这是什么意思吧?"
"是的,先生,我知道."
"你在上帝面前发誓,说你在那条小船上并没有砸过罗伯达·奥尔登小姐吗?"
"我发誓.我可没有砸过."
"或是把她扔到湖里去吗?"
"我发誓.我可没有扔过."
"或是以这样、那样方式,故意地或是自愿地,企图把那条小船掀翻,或是使用其他办法使她惨遭死亡?"
"我发誓,不是的!"克莱德坚决有力而又激动地大声嚷道.
"你发誓说这是一起意外事故——不是你预谋或是蓄意策划的吗?"
"是的,我发誓,"克莱德撒了谎说.他觉得,他在为保住自己生命而奋斗时所说的部分是真相,因为,事实上,这起意外事故并不是蓄意策划的.这一事件并不是象他原先打算的那样发展的,所以,在这一点上来说,他是可以起誓的.
这时,杰夫森用他那粗大有力的手捋了一下自己的脸,彬彬有礼、若无其事地向法庭和陪审团扫了一眼,同时意味深长地让自己薄薄的嘴唇抿成长长的一条线,宣告说:"原告及律师一方不妨可以向见证人提问."
回复 引用 新鲜事
顶端
司凌。

ZxID：9742737

2429874鲜花 36鸡蛋

等级: 派派版主
配偶: 此微夜
原名：独爱穿越。
举报 只看该作者 93楼  发表于: 2013-10-25 0

Part 3 Chapter 25
The mood of Mason throughout the entire direct examination was that of a restless harrier anxious to be off at theheels of its prey--of a foxhound within the last leap of its kill. A keen and surging desire to shatter thistestimony, to show it to be from start to finish the tissue of lies that in part at least it was, now animated him.
　　And no sooner had Jephson concluded than he leaped up and confronted Clyde, who, seeing him blazing withthis desire to undo him, felt as though he was about to be physically attacked.
　　"Griffiths, you had that camera in your hand at the time she came toward you in the boat?""Yes, sir.""She stumbled and fell and you accidentally struck her with it?""Yes.""I don't suppose in your truthful and honest way you remember telling me there in the woods on the shore of BigBittern that you never had a camera?""Yes, sir--I remember that.""And that was a lie, of course?""Yes, sir.""And told with all the fervor and force that you are now telling this other lie?""I'm not lying. I've explained why I said that.""You've explained why you said that! You've explained why you said that! And because you lied there youexpect to be believed here, do you?"Belknap rose to object, but Jephson pulled him down.
　　"Well, this is the truth, just the same.""And no power under heaven could make you tell another lie here, of course--not a strong desire to save yourselffrom the electric chair?"Clyde blanched and quivered slightly; he blinked his red, tired eyelids. "Well, I might, maybe, but not underoath, I don't think.""You don't think! Oh, I see. Lie all you want wherever you are--and at any time--and under any circumstances-except when you're on trial for murder!""No, sir. It isn't that. But what I just said is so.""And you swear on the Bible, do you, that you experienced a change of heart?""Yes, sir.""That Miss Alden was very sad and that was what moved you to experience this change of heart?""Yes, sir. That's how it was.""Well, now, Griffiths, when she was up there in the country and waiting for you--she wrote you all those lettersthere, did she not?""Yes, sir.""You received one on an average of every two days, didn't you?""Yes, sir.""And you knew she was lonely and miserable there, didn't you?""Yes, sir--but then I've explained--""Oh, you've explained! You mean your lawyers have explained it for you! Didn't they coach you day after day in that jail over there as to how you were to answer when the time came?""No, sir, they didn't!" replied Clyde, defiantly, catching Jephson's eye at this moment.
　　"Well, then when I asked you up there at Bear Lake how it was that his girl met her death--why didn't you tell methen and save all this trouble and suspicion and investigation? Don't you think the public would have listenedmore kindly and believingly there than it will now after you've taken five long months to think it all out with thehelp of two lawyers?""But I didn't think it out with any lawyers," persisted Clyde, still looking at Jephson, who was supporting himwith all his mental strength. "I've just explained why I did that.""You've explained! You've explained!" roared Mason, almost beside himself with the knowledge that this falseexplanation was sufficient of a shield or barrier for Clyde to hide behind whenever he found himself being toohard pressed--the little rat! And so now he fairly quivered with baffled rage as he proceeded.
　　"And before you went up--while she was writing them to you--you considered them sad, didn't you?""Why, yes, sir. That is"--he hesitated incautiously--"some parts of them anyhow.""Oh, I see--only some parts of them now. I thought you just said you considered them sad.""Well, I do.""And did.""Yes, sir--and did." But Clyde's eyes were beginning to wander nervously in the direction of Jephson, who wasfixing him as with a beam of light.
　　"Remember her writing you this?" And here Mason picked up and opened one of the letters and began reading:
　　"Clyde--I shall certainly die, dear, if you don't come. I am so much alone. I am nearly crazy now. I wish I couldgo away and never return or trouble you any more. But if you would only telephone me, even so much as onceevery other day, since you won't write. And when I need you and a word of encouragement so." Mason's voicewas mellow. It was sad. One could feel, as he spoke, the wave of passing pity that was moving as sound andcolor not only through him but through every spectator in the high, narrow courtroom. "Does that seem at all sadto you?""Yes, sir, it does.""Did it then?""Yes, sir, it did.""You knew it was sincere, didn't you?" snarled Mason.
　　"Yes, sir. I did.""Then why didn't a little of that pity that you claim moved you so deeply out there in the center of Big Bitternmove you down there in Lycurgus to pick up the telephone there in Mrs. Peyton's house where you were andreassure that lonely girl by so much as a word that you were coming? Was it because your pity for her thenwasn't as great as it was after she wrote you that threatening letter? Or was it because you had a plot and youwere afraid that too much telephoning to her might attract attention? How was it that you had so much pity all ofa sudden up at Big Bittern, but none at all down there at Lycurgus? Is it something you can turn on and off like afaucet?""I never said I had none at all," replied Clyde, defiantly, having just received an eye-flash from Jephson.
　　"Well, you left her to wait until she had to threaten you because of her own terror and misery.""Well, I've admitted that I didn't treat her right.""Ha, ha! Right! RIGHT! And because of that admission and in face of all the other testimony we've had here,your own included, you expect to walk out of here a free man, do you?"Belknap was not to be restrained any longer. His objection came--and with bitter vehemence he addressed thejudge: "This is infamous, your Honor. Is the district attorney to be allowed to make a speech with everyquestion?""I heard no objection," countered the court. "The district attorney will frame his questions properly."Mason took the rebuke lightly and turned again to Clyde. "In that boat there in the center of Big Bittern you havetestified that you had in your hand that camera that you once denied owning?""Yes, sir.""And she was in the stern of the boat?""Yes, sir.""Bring in that boat, will you, Burton?" he called to Burleigh at this point, and forthwith four deputies from thedistrict attorney's office retired through a west door behind the judge's rostrum and soon returned carrying theidentical boat in which Clyde and Roberta had sat, and put it down before the jury. And as they did so Clydechilled and stared. The identical boat! He blinked and quivered as the audience stirred, stared and strained, anaudible wave of curiosity and interest passing over the entire room. And then Mason, taking the camera andshaking it up and down, exclaimed: "Well, here you are now, Griffiths! The camera you never owned. Step downhere into this boat and take this camera here and show the jury just where you sat, and where Miss Alden sat.
　　And exactly, if you can, how and where it was that you struck Miss Alden and where and about how she fell.""Object!" declared Belknap.
　　A long and wearisome legal argument, finally terminating in the judge allowing this type of testimony to becontinued for a while at least. And at the conclusion of it, Clyde declaring: "I didn't intentionally strike her withit though"--to which Mason replied: "Yes, we heard you testify that way"--then Clyde stepping down and afterbeing directed here and there finally stepping into the boat at the middle seat and seating himself while three menheld it straight.
　　"And now, Newcomb--I want you to come here and sit wherever Miss Alden was supposed to sit and take anyposition which he describes as having been taken by her.""Yes, sir," said Newcomb, coming forward and seating himself while Clyde vainly sought to catch Jephson's eyebut could not since his own back was partially turned from him.
　　"And now, Griffiths," went on Mason, "just you show Mr. Newcomb here how Miss Alden arose and cametoward you. Direct him."And then Clyde, feeling weak and false and hated, arising again and in a nervous and angular way--the eeriestrangeness of all this affecting him to the point of unbelievable awkwardness--attempting to show Newcombjust how Roberta had gotten up and half walked and half crawled, then had stumbled and fallen. And after that,with the camera in his hand, attempting to show as nearly as he could recall, how unconsciously his arm had shotout and he had struck Roberta, he scarcely knowing where--on the chin and cheek maybe, he was not sure, butnot intentionally, of course, and not with sufficient force really to injure her, he thought at the time. But just herea long wrangle between Belknap and Mason as to the competency of such testimony since Clyde declared that hecould not remember clearly--but Oberwaltzer finally allowing the testimony on the ground that it would show,relatively, whether a light or heavy push or blow was required in order to upset any one who might be "lightly"or "loosely" poised.
　　"But how in Heaven's name are these antics as here demonstrated on a man of Mr. Newcomb's build to showwhat would follow in the case of a girl of the size and weight of Miss Alden?" persisted Belknap.
　　"Well, then we'll put a girl of the size and weight of Miss Alden in here." And at once calling for Zillah Saundersand putting her in Newcomb's place. But Belknap none-the-less proceeding with:
　　"And what of that? The conditions aren't the same. This boat isn't on the water. No two people are going to bealike in their resistance or their physical responses to accidental blows.""Then you refuse to allow this demonstration to be made?" (This was from Mason, turning and cynicallyinquiring.)"Oh, make it if you choose. It doesn't mean anything though, as anybody can see," persisted Belknap,suggestively.
　　And so Clyde, under directions from Mason, now pushing at Zillah, "about as hard," (he thought) as he had accidentally pushed at Roberta. And she falling back a little--not much--but in so doing being able to lay a handon each side of the boat and so save herself. And the jury, in spite of Belknap's thought that his contentionswould have counteracted all this, gathering the impression that Clyde, on account of his guilt and fear of death,was probably attempting to conjure something that had been much more viciously executed, to be sure. For hadnot the doctors sworn to the probable force of this and another blow on the top of the head? And had not BurtonBurleigh testified to having discovered a hair in the camera? And how about the cry that woman had heard? Howabout that?
　　But with that particular incident the court was adjourned for this day.
　　On the following morning at the sound of the gavel, there was Mason, as fresh and vigorous and vicious as ever.
　　And Clyde, after a miserable night in his cell and much bolstering by Jephson and Belknap, determined to be ascool and insistent and innocent-appearing as he could be, but with no real heart for the job, so convinced was hethat local sentiment in its entirety was against him--that he was believed to be guilty. And with Mason beginningmost savagely and bitterly:
　　"You still insist that you experienced a change of heart, do you, Griffiths?""Yes, sir, I do.""Ever hear of people being resuscitated after they have apparently drowned?""I don't quite understand.""You know, of course, that people who are supposed to be drowned, who go down for the last time and don'tcome up, are occasionally gotten out of the water and revived, brought back to life by first-aid methods-workingtheir arms and rolling them over a log or a barrel. You've heard of that, haven't you?""Yes, sir, I think I have. I've heard of people being brought back to life after they're supposed to be drowned, butI don't think I ever heard just how.""You never did?""No, sir.""Or how long they could stay under water and still be revived?""No, sir. I never did.""Never heard, for instance, that a person who had been in the water as long as fifteen minutes might still bebrought to?""No, sir.""So it never occurred to you after you swam to shore yourself that you might still call for aid and so save her lifeeven then?""No, sir, it didn't occur to me. I thought she was dead by then.""I see. But when she was still alive out there in the water--how about that? You're a pretty good swimmer, aren'tyou?""Yes, sir, I swim fairly well.""Well enough, for instance, to save yourself by swimming over five hundred feet with your shoes and clothes on.
　　Isn't that so?""Well, I did swim that distance then--yes, sir.""Yes, you did indeed--and pretty good for a fellow who couldn't swim thirty-five feet to an overturned boat, I'llsay," concluded Mason.
　　Here Jephson waved aside Belknap's suggestion that he move to have this comment stricken out.
　　Clyde was now dragged over his various boating and swimming experiences and made to tell how many times hehad gone out on lakes in craft as dangerous as canoes and had never had an accident.
　　"The first time you took Roberta out on Crum Lake was in a canoe, wasn't it?""Yes, sir.""But you had no accident then?""No, sir.""You cared for her then very much, didn't you?""Yes, sir.""But the day she was drowned in Big Bittern, in this solid, round-bottomed row-boat, you didn't care for her anymore.""Well, I've said how I felt then.""And of course there couldn't be any relation between the fact that on Crum Lake you cared for her but on BigBittern--""I said how I felt then.""But you wanted to get rid of her just the same, didn't you? The moment she was dead to run away to that othergirl. You don't deny that, do you?""I've explained why I did that," reiterated Clyde.
　　"Explained! Explained! And you expect any fair-minded, decent, intelligent person to believe that explanation,do you?" Mason was fairly beside himself with rage and Clyde did not venture to comment as to that. The judgeanticipated Jephson's objection to this and bellowed, "Objection sustained." But Mason went right on. "Youcouldn't have been just a little careless, could you, Griffiths, in the handling of the boat and upset it yourself,say?" He drew near and leered.
　　"No, sir, I wasn't careless. It was an accident that I couldn't avoid." Clyde was quite cool, though pale and tired.
　　"An accident. Like that other accident out there in Kansas City, for instance. You're rather familiar withaccidents of that kind, aren't you, Griffiths?" queried Mason sneeringly and slowly.
　　"I've explained how that happened," replied Clyde nervously.
　　"You're rather familiar with accidents that result in death to girls, aren't you? Do you always run away when oneof them dies?""Object," yelled Belknap, leaping to his feet.
　　"Objection sustained," called Oberwaltzer sharply. "There is nothing before this court concerning any otheraccident. The prosecution will confine itself more closely to the case in hand.""Griffiths," went on Mason, pleased with the way he had made a return to Jephson for his apology for the KansasCity accident, "when that boat upset after that accidental blow of yours and you and Miss Alden fell into thewater--how far apart were you?""Well, I didn't notice just then.""Pretty close, weren't you? Not much more than a foot or two, surely--the way you stood there in the boat?""Well, I didn't notice. Maybe that, yes, sir.""Close enough to have grabbed her and hung on to her if you had wanted to, weren't you? That's what youjumped up for, wasn't it, when she started to fall out?""Yes, that's what I jumped up for," replied Clyde heavily, "but I wasn't close enough to grab her. I know I wentright under, and when I came up she was some little distance away.""Well, how far exactly? As far as from here to this end of the jury box or that end, or half way, or what?""Well, I say I didn't notice, quite. About as far from here to that end, I guess," he lied, stretching the distance byat least eight feet.
　　"Not really!" exclaimed Mason, pretending to evince astonishment. "This boat here turns over, you both fall inthe water close together, and when you come up you and she are nearly twenty feet apart. Don't you think yourmemory is getting a little the best of you there?""Well, that's the way it looked to me when I came up.""Well, now, after that boat turned over and you both came up, where were you in relation to IT? Here is the boatnow and where were you out there in the audience, as to distance, I mean?""Well, as I say, I didn't exactly notice when I first came up," returned Clyde, looking nervously and dubiously atthe space before him. Most certainly a trap was being prepared for him. "About as far as from here to that railingbeyond your table, I guess.""About thirty to thirty-five feet then," suggested Mason, slyly and hopefully.
　　"Yes, sir. About that maybe. I couldn't be quite sure.""And now with you over there and the boat here, where was Miss Alden at that time?"And Clyde now sensed that Mason must have some geometric or mathematic scheme in mind whereby heproposed to establish his guilt. And at once he was on his guard, and looking in the direction of Jephson. At thesame time he could not see how he was to put Roberta too far away either. He had said she couldn't swim.
　　Wouldn't she be nearer the boat than he was? Most certainly. He leaped foolishly--wildly--at the thought that itmight be best to say that she was about half that distance--not more, very likely. And said so. And at once Masonproceeded with:
　　"Well, then she was not more than fifteen feet or so from you or the boat.""No, sir, maybe not. I guess not.""Well then, do you mean to say that you couldn't have swum that little distance and buoyed her up until youcould reach the boat just fifteen feet beyond her?""Well, as I say, I was a little dazed when I came up and she was striking about and screaming so.""But there was that boat--not more than thirty-five feet away, according to your own story--and a mighty longway for a boat to move in that time, I'll say. And do you mean to say that when you could swim five hundred feetto shore afterwards that you couldn't have swum to that boat and pushed it to her in time for her to save herself?
　　She was struggling to keep herself up, wasn't she?""Yes, sir. But I was rattled at first," pleaded Clyde, gloomily, conscious of the eyes of all the jurors and all thespectators fixed upon his face, "and . . . and . . ." (because of the general strain of the suspicion and incredulitynow focused as a great force upon him, his nerve was all but failing him, and he was hesitating and stumbling) . .
　　. "I didn't think quite quick enough I guess, what to do. Besides I was afraid if I went near her . . .""I know. A mental and moral coward," sneered Mason. "Besides very slow to think when it's to your advantageto be slow and swift when it's to your advantage to be swift. Is that it?""No, sir.""Well, then, if it isn't, just tell me this, Griffiths, why was it, after you got out of the water a few moments lateryou had sufficient presence of mind to stop and bury that tripod before starting through the woods, whereas,when it came to rescuing her you got rattled and couldn't do a thing? How was it that you could get so calm andcalculating the moment you set your foot on land? What can you say to that?""Well . . . a . . . I told you that afterwards I realized that there was nothing else to do.""Yes, we know all about that. But doesn't it occur to you that it takes a pretty cool head after so much panic inthe water to stop at a moment like that and take such a precaution as that--burying that tripod? How was it thatyou could think so well of that and not think anything about the boat a few moments before?""Well . . . but . ..""You didn't want her to live, in spite of your alleged change of heart! Isn't that it?" yelled Mason. "Isn't that theblack, sad truth? She was drowning, as you wanted her to drown, and you just let her drown! Isn't that so?"He was fairly trembling as he shouted this, and Clyde, the actual boat before him and Roberta's eyes and cries asshe sank coming back to him with all their pathetic and horrible force, now shrank and cowered in his seat--thecloseness of Mason's interpretation of what had really happened terrifying him. For never, even to Jephson andBelknap, had he admitted that when Roberta was in the water he had not wished to save her. Changelessly andsecretively he insisted he had wanted to but that it had all happened so quickly, and he was so dazed andfrightened by her cries and movements, that he had not been able to do anything before she was gone.
　　"I . . . I wanted to save her," he mumbled, his face quite gray, "but . . . but . . . as I said, I was dazed . . . and . . .
　　and . . .""Don't you know that you're lying!" shouted Mason, leaning still closer, his stout arms aloft, his disfigured faceglowering and scowling like some avenging nemesis or fury of gargoyle design--"that you deliberately and withcold-hearted cunning allowed that poor, tortured girl to die there when you might have rescued her as easily asyou could have swum fifty of those five hundred feet you did swim in order to save yourself?" For by now hewas convinced that he knew just how Clyde had actually slain Roberta, something in his manner and moodconvincing him, and he was determined to drag it out of him if he could. And although Belknap was instantly onhis feet with a protest that his client was being unfairly prejudiced in the eyes of the jury and that he was reallyentitled to--and now demanded--a mistrial--which complaint Justice Oberwaltzer eventually overruled--still Clyde had time to reply, but most meekly and feebly: "No! No! I didn't. I wanted to save her if I could." Yet hiswhole manner, as each and every juror noted, was that of one who was not really telling the truth, who was reallyall of the mental and moral coward that Belknap had insisted he was--but worse yet, really guilty of Roberta'sdeath. For after all, asked each juror of himself as he listened, why couldn't he have saved her if he was strongenough to swim to shore afterwards--or at least have swum to and secured the boat and helped her to take hold ofit?
　　"She only weighed a hundred pounds, didn't she?" went on Mason feverishly.
　　"Yes, I think so.""And you--what did you weigh at the time?""About a hundred and forty," replied Clyde.
　　"And a hundred and forty pound man," sneered Mason, turning to the jury, "is afraid to go near a weak, sick,hundred-pound little girl who is drowning, for fear she will cling to him and drag him under! And a perfectlygood boat, strong enough to hold three or four up, within fifteen or twenty feet! How's that?"And to emphasize it and let it sink in, he now paused, and took from his pocket a large white handkerchief, andafter wiping his neck and face and wrists--since they were quite damp from his emotional and physical efforts-turnedto Burton Burleigh and called: "You might as well have this boat taken out of here, Burton. We're notgoing to need it for a little while anyhow." And forthwith the four deputies carried it out.
　　And then, having recovered his poise, he once more turned to Clyde and began with: "Griffiths, you knew thecolor and feel of Roberta Alden's hair pretty well, didn't you? You were intimate enough with her, weren't you?""I know the color of it or I think I do," replied Clyde wincing--an anguished chill at the thought of it affectinghim almost observably.
　　"And the feel of it, too, didn't you?" persisted Mason. "In those very loving days of yours before Miss X camealong--you must have touched it often enough.""I don't know whether I did or not," replied Clyde, catching a glance from Jephson.
　　"Well, roughly. You must know whether it was coarse or fine--silky or coarse. You know that, don't you?""It was silky, yes.""Well, here's a lock of it," he now added more to torture Clyde than anything else--to wear him down nervously-andgoing to his table where was an envelope and from it extracting a long lock of light brown hair. "Don't thatlook like her hair?" And now he shoved it forward at Clyde who shocked and troubled withdrew from it as fromsome unclean or dangerous thing--yet a moment after sought to recover himself--the watchful eyes of the juryhaving noted all. "Oh, don't be afraid," persisted Mason, sardonically. "It's only your dead love's hair."And shocked by the comment--and noting the curious eyes of the jury, Clyde took it in his hand. "That looks andfeels like her hair, doesn't it?" went on Mason.
　　"Well, it looks like it anyhow," returned Clyde shakily.
　　"And now here," continued Mason, stepping quickly to the table and returning with the camera in which betweenthe lid and the taking mechanism were caught the two threads of Roberta's hair put there by Burleigh, and thenholding it out to him. "Just take this camera. It's yours even though you did swear that it wasn't--and look at thosetwo hairs there. See them?" And he poked the camera at Clyde as though he might strike him with it. "They werecaught in there--presumably--at the time you struck her so lightly that it made all those wounds on her face. Can'tyou tell the jury whether those hairs are hers or not?""I can't say," replied Clyde most weakly.
　　"What's that? Speak up. Don't be so much of a moral and mental coward. Are they or are they not?""I can't say," repeated Clyde--but not even looking at them.
　　"Look at them. Look at them. Compare them with these others. We know these are hers. And you know thatthese in this camera are, don't you? Don't be so squeamish. You've often touched her hair in real life. She's dead.
　　They won't bite you. Are these two hairs--or are they not--the same as these other hairs here--which we know arehers--the same color--same feel--all? Look! Answer! Are they or are they not?"But Clyde, under such pressure and in spite of Belknap, being compelled to look and then feel them too. Yetcautiously replying, "I wouldn't be able to say. They look and feel a little alike, but I can't tell.""Oh, can't you? And even when you know that when you struck her that brutal vicious blow with that camera-thesetwo hairs caught there and held.""But I didn't strike her any vicious blow," insisted Clyde, now observing Jephson--"and I can't say." He wassaying to himself that he would not allow himself to be bullied in this way by this man--yet, at the same time,feeling very weak and sick. And Mason, triumphant because of the psychologic effect, if nothing more, returningthe camera and lock to the table and remarking, "Well, it's been amply testified to that those two hairs were inthat camera when found in the water. And you yourself swear that it was last in your hands before it reached thewater."He turned to think of something else--some new point with which to rack Clyde and now began once more:
　　"Griffiths, in regard to that trip south through the woods, what time was it when you got to Three Mile Bay?""About four in the morning, I think--just before dawn.""And what did you do between then and the time that boat down there left?""Oh, I walked around.""In Three Mile Bay?""No, sir--just outside of it.""In the woods, I suppose, waiting for the town to wake up so you wouldn't look so much out of place. Was thatit?""Well, I waited until after the sun came up. Besides I was tired and I sat down and rested for a while.""Did you sleep well and did you have pleasant dreams?""I was tired and I slept a little--yes.""And how was it you knew so much about the boat and the time and all about Three Mile Bay? Hadn't youfamiliarized yourself with this data beforehand?""Well, everybody knows about the boat from Sharon to Three Mile Bay around there.""Oh, do they? Any other reason?""Well, in looking for a place to get married, both of us saw it," returned Clyde, shrewdly, "but we didn't see thatany train went to it. Only to Sharon.""But you did notice that it was south of Big Bittern?""Why, yes--I guess I did," replied Clyde.
　　"And that that road west of Gun Lodge led south toward it around the lower edge of Big Bittern?""Well, I noticed after I got up there that there was a road of some kind or a trail anyhow--but I didn't think of it asa regular road.""I see. How was it then that when you met those three men in the woods you were able to ask them how far itwas to Three Mile Bay?""I didn't ask 'em that," replied Clyde, as he had been instructed by Jephson to say. "I asked 'em if they knew anyroad to Three Mile Bay, and how far it was. I didn't know whether that was the road or not.""Well, that wasn't how they testified here.""Well, I don't care what they testified to, that's what I asked 'em just the same.""It seems to me that according to you all the witnesses are liars and you are the only truthful one in thebunch. . . . Isn't that it? But, when you reached Three Mile Bay, did you stop to eat? You must have been hungry,weren't you?""No, I wasn't hungry," replied Clyde, simply.
　　"You wanted to get away from that place as quickly as possible, wasn't that it? You were afraid that those threemen might go up to Big Bittern and having heard about Miss Alden, tell about having seen you--wasn't that it?""No, that wasn't it. But I didn't want to stay around there. I've said why.""I see. But after you got down to Sharon where you felt a little more safe--a little further away, you didn't loseany time in eating, did you? It tasted pretty good all right down there, didn't it?""Oh, I don't know about that. I had a cup of coffee and a sandwich.""And a piece of pie, too, as we've already proved here," added Mason. "And after that you joined the crowdcoming up from the depot as though you had just come up from Albany, as you afterwards told everybody.
　　Wasn't that it?""Yes, that was it.""Well, now for a really innocent man who only so recently experienced a kindly change of heart, don't you thinkyou were taking an awful lot of precaution? Hiding away like that and waiting in the dark and pretending thatyou had just come up from Albany.""I've explained all that," persisted Clyde.
　　Mason's next tack was to hold Clyde up to shame for having been willing, in the face of all she had done for him,to register Roberta in three different hotel registers as the unhallowed consort of presumably three different menin three different days.
　　"Why didn't you take separate rooms?""Well, she didn't want it that way. She wanted to be with me. Besides I didn't have any too much money.""Even so, how could you have so little respect for her there, and then be so deeply concerned about herreputation after she was dead that you had to run away and keep the secret of her death all to yourself, in order,as you say, to protect her name and reputation?""Your Honor," interjected Belknap, "this isn't a question. It's an oration.""I withdraw the question," countered Mason, and then went on. "Do you admit, by the way, that you are a mental and moral coward, Griffiths--do you?""No, sir. I don't.""You do not?""No, sir.""Then when you lie, and swear to it, you are just the same as any other person who is not a mental and moralcoward, and deserving of all the contempt and punishment due a person who is a perjurer and a false witness. Isthat correct?""Yes, sir. I suppose so.""Well, if you are not a mental and moral coward, how can you justify your leaving that girl in that lake--after asyou say you accidentally struck her and when you knew how her parents would soon be suffering because of herloss--and not say one word to anybody--just walk off--and hide the tripod and your suit and sneak away like anordinary murderer? Wouldn't you think that that was the conduct of a man who had plotted and executed murderand was trying to get away with it--if you had heard of it about some one else? Or would you think it was just thesly, crooked trick of a man who was only a mental and moral coward and who was trying to get away from theblame for the accidental death of a girl whom he had seduced and news of which might interfere with hisprosperity? Which?""Well, I didn't kill her, just the same," insisted Clyde.
　　"Answer the question!" thundered Mason.
　　"I ask the court to instruct the witness that he need not answer such a question," put in Jephson, rising and fixingfirst Clyde and then Oberwaltzer with his eye. "It is purely an argumentative one and has no real bearing on thefacts in this case.""I so instruct," replied Oberwaltzer. "The witness need not answer." Whereupon Clyde merely stared, greatlyheartened by this unexpected aid.
　　"Well, to go on," proceeded Mason, now more nettled and annoyed than ever by this watchful effort on the partof Belknap and Jephson to break the force and significance of his each and every attack, and all the moredetermined not to be outdone--"you say you didn't intend to marry her if you could help it, before you went upthere?""Yes, sir.""That she wanted you to but you hadn't made up your mind?""Yes.""Well, do you recall the cook-book and the salt and pepper shakers and the spoons and knives and so on that sheput in her bag?""Yes, sir. I do.""What do you suppose she had in mind when she left Biltz--with those things in her trunk--that she was goingout to live in some hall bedroom somewhere, unmarried, while you came to see her once a week or once amonth?"Before Belknap could object, Clyde shot back the proper answer.
　　"I can't say what she had in her mind about that.""You couldn't possibly have told her over the telephone there at Biltz, for instance--after she wrote you that ifyou didn't come for her she was coming to Lycurgus--that you would marry her?""No, sir--I didn't.""You weren't mental and moral coward enough to be bullied into anything like that, were you?""I never said I was a mental and moral coward.""But you weren't to be bullied by a girl you had seduced?""Well, I couldn't feel then that I ought to marry her.""You didn't think she'd make as good a match as Miss X?""I didn't think I ought to marry her if I didn't love her any more.""Not even to save her honor--and your own decency?""Well, I didn't think we could be happy together then.""That was before your great change of heart, I suppose.""It was before we went to Utica, yes.""And while you were still so enraptured with Miss X?""I was in love with Miss X--yes.""Do you recall, in one of those letters to you that you never answered" (and here Mason proceeded to take up and read from one of the first seven letters), "her writing this to you; 'I feel upset and uncertain about everythingalthough I try not to feel so--now that we have our plan and you are going to come for me as you said.' Now justwhat was she referring to there when she wrote-- 'now that we have our plan'?""I don't know unless it was that I was coming to get her and take her away somewhere temporarily.""Not to marry her, of course.""No, I hadn't said so.""But right after that in this same letter she says: 'On the way up, instead of coming straight home, I decided tostop at Homer to see my sister and brother-in-law, since I am not sure now when I'll see them again, and I wantso much that they shall see me respectable or never at all any more.' Now just what do you suppose, she meantby that word 'respectable'? Living somewhere in secret and unmarried and having a child while you sent her alittle money, and then coming back maybe and posing as single and innocent or married and her husband dead-orwhat? Don't you suppose she saw herself married to you, for a time at least, and the child given a name? That'plan' she mentions couldn't have contemplated anything less than that, could it?""Well, maybe as she saw it it couldn't," evaded Clyde. "But I never said I would marry her.""Well, well--we'll let that rest a minute," went on Mason doggedly. "But now take this," and here he beganreading from the tenth letter: "'It won't make any difference to you about your coming a few days sooner thanyou intended, will it, dear? Even if we have got to get along on a little less, I know we can, for the time I will bewith you anyhow, probably no more than six or eight months at the most. I agreed to let you go by then, youknow, if you want to. I can be very saving and economical. It can't be any other way now, Clyde, although foryour own sake I wish it could.' What do you suppose all that means--'saving and economical'--and not letting yougo until after eight months? Living in a hall bedroom and you coming to see her once a week? Or hadn't youreally agreed to go away with her and marry her, as she seems to think here?""I don't know unless she thought she could make me, maybe," replied Clyde, the while various backwoodsmenand farmers and jurors actually sniffed and sneered, so infuriated were they by the phrase "make me" whichClyde had scarcely noticed. "I never agreed to.""Unless she could make you. So that was the way you felt about it, was it, Griffiths?""Yes, sir.""You'd swear to that as quick as you would to anything else?""Well, I have sworn to it."And Mason as well as Belknap and Jephson and Clyde himself now felt the strong public contempt and rage thatthe majority of those present had for him from the start--now surging and shaking all. It filled the room. Yetbefore him were all the hours Mason needed in which he could pick and choose at random from the mass of testimony as to just what he would quiz and bedevil and torture Clyde with next. And so now, looking over hisnotes--arranged fan- wise on the table by Earl Newcomb for his convenience--he now began once more with:
　　"Griffiths, in your testimony here yesterday, through which you were being led by your counsel, Mr. Jephson"(at this Jephson bowed sardonically), "you talked about that change of heart that you experienced after youencountered Roberta Alden once more at Fonda and Utica back there in July--just as you were starting on thisdeath trip."Clyde's "yes, sir," came before Belknap could object, but the latter managed to have "death trip" changed to"trip.""Before going up there with her you hadn't been liking her as much as you might have. Wasn't that the way ofit?""Not as much as I had at one time--no, sir.""And just how long--from when to when--was the time in which you really did like her, before you began todislike her, I mean?""Well, from the time I first met her until I met Miss X.""But not afterwards?""Oh, I can't say not entirely afterwards. I cared for her some-- a good deal, I guess--but still not as much as I had.
　　I felt more sorry for her than anything else, I suppose.""And now, let's see--that was between December first last say, and last April or May--or wasn't it?""About that time, I think--yes, sir.""Well, during that time--December first to April or May first you were intimate with her, weren't you?""Yes, sir.""Even though you weren't caring for her so much.""Why--yes, sir," replied Clyde, hesitating slightly, while the rurals jerked and craned at this introduction of thesex crime.
　　"And yet at nights, and in spite of the fact that she was alone over there in her little room--as faithful to you, asyou yourself have testified, as any one could be--you went off to dances, parties, dinners, and automobile rides,while she sat there.""Oh, but I wasn't off all the time.""Oh, weren't you? But you heard the testimony of Tracy and Jill Trumbull, and Frederick Sells, and FrankHarriet, and Burchard Taylor, on this particular point, didn't you?""Yes, sir.""Well, were they all liars, or were they telling the truth?""Well, they were telling the truth as near as they could remember, I suppose.""But they couldn't remember very well--is that it?""Well, I wasn't off all the time. Maybe I was gone two or three times a week--maybe four sometimes--not more.""And the rest you gave to Miss Alden?""Yes, sir.""Is that what she meant in this letter here?" And here he took up another letter from the pile of Roberta's letters,and opening it and holding it before him, read: "'Night after night, almost every night after that dreadfulChristmas day when you left me, I was alone nearly always.' Is she lying, or isn't she?" snapped Mason fiercely,and Clyde, sensing the danger of accusing Roberta of lying here, weakly and shamefacedly replied: "No, she isn'tlying. But I did spend some evenings with her just the same.""And yet you heard Mrs. Gilpin and her husband testify here that night after night from December first on MissAlden was mostly always alone in her room and that they felt sorry for her and thought it so unnatural and triedto get her to join them, but she wouldn't. You heard them testify to that, didn't you?""Yes, sir.""And yet you insist that you were with her some?""Yes, sir.""Yet at the same time loving and seeking the company of Miss X?""Yes, sir.""And trying to get her to marry you?""I wanted her to--yes, sir.""Yet continuing relations with Miss Alden when your other interests left you any time.""Well . . . yes, sir," once more hesitated Clyde, enormously troubled by the shabby picture of his character whichthese disclosures seemed to conjure, yet somehow feeling that he was not as bad, or at least had not intended tobe, as all this made him appear. Other people did things like that too, didn't they--those young men in Lycurgussociety--or they had talked as though they did.
　　"Well, don't you think your learned counsel found a very mild term for you when they described you as a mentaland moral coward?" sneered Mason--and at the same time from the rear of the long narrow courtroom, aprofound silence seeming to precede, accompany and follow it,--yet not without an immediate roar of protestfrom Belknap, came the solemn, vengeful voice of an irate woodsman: "Why don't they kill the God-damnedbastard and be done with him?"--And at once Oberwaltzer gaveling for order and ordering the arrest of theoffender at the same time that he ordered all those not seated driven from the courtroom--which was done. Andthen the offender arrested and ordered arraigned on the following morning. And after that, silence, with Masononce more resuming:
　　"Griffiths, you say when you left Lycurgus you had no intention of marrying Roberta Alden unless you could notarrange in any other way.""Yes, sir. That was my intention at that time.""And accordingly you were fairly certain of coming back?""Yes, sir--I thought I was.""Then why did you pack everything in your room in your trunk and lock it?""Well . . . well . . . that is," hesitated Clyde, the charge coming so quickly and so entirely apart from what hadjust been spoken of before that he had scarcely time to collect his wits--"well, you see--I wasn't absolutely sure. Ididn't know but what I might have to go whether I wanted to or not.""I see. And so if you had decided up there unexpectedly as you did--" (and here Mason smirked on him as muchas to say--you think any one believes that?) "you wouldn't have had time to come back and decently pack yourthings and depart?""Well, no, sir--that wasn't the reason either.""Well then, what was the reason?""Well, you see," and here for lack of previous thought on this subject as well as lack of wit to grasp theessentiality of a suitable and plausible answer quickly, Clyde hesitated--as every one--first and foremost Belknapand Jephson--noted--and then went on: "Well, you see--if I had to go away, even for a short time as I thought Imight, I decided that I might need whatever I had in a hurry.""I see. You're quite sure it wasn't that in case the police discovered who Clifford Golden or Carl Graham were,that you might wish to leave quickly?""No, sir. It wasn't.""And so you didn't tell Mrs. Peyton you were giving up the room either, did you?""No, sir.""In your testimony the other day you said something about not having money enough to go up there and takeMiss Alden away on any temporary marriage scheme--even one that would last so long as six months.""Yes, sir.""When you left Lycurgus to start on the trip, how much did you have?""About fifty dollars.""'About' fifty? Don't you know exactly how much you had?""I had fifty dollars--yes, sir.""And while you were in Utica and Grass Lake and getting down to Sharon afterwards, how much did youspend?""I spent about twenty dollars on the trip, I think.""Don't you know?""Not exactly--no, sir--somewhere around twenty dollars, though.""Well, now let's see about that exactly if we can," went on Mason, and here, once more, Clyde began to sense atrap and grew nervous--for there was all that money given him by Sondra and some of which he had spent, too.
　　"How much was your fare from Fonda to Utica for yourself?""A dollar and a quarter.""And what did you have to pay for your room at the hotel at Utica for you and Roberta?""That was four dollars.""And of course you had dinner that night and breakfast the next morning, which cost you how much?""It was about three dollars for both meals.""Was that all you spent in Utica?" Mason was taking a side glance occasionally at a slip of paper on which he had figures and notes, but which Clyde had not noticed.
　　"Yes, sir.""How about the straw hat that it has been proved you purchased while there?""Oh, yes, sir, I forgot about that," said Clyde, nervously. "That was two dollars--yes, sir." He realized that hemust be more careful.
　　"And your fares to Grass Lake were, of course, five dollars. Is that right?""Yes, sir.""Then you hired a boat at Grass Lake. How much was that?""That was thirty-five cents an hour.""And you had it how long?""Three hours.""Making one dollar and five cents.""Yes, sir.""And then that night at the hotel, they charged you how much? Five dollars, wasn't it?""Yes, sir.""And then didn't you buy that lunch that you carried out in that lake with you up there?""Yes, sir. I think that was about sixty cents.""And how much did it cost you to get to Big Bittern?""It was a dollar on the train to Gun Lodge and a dollar on the bus for the two of us to Big Bittern.""You know these figures pretty well, I see. Naturally, you would. You didn't have much money and it wasimportant. And how much was your fare from Three Mile Bay to Sharon afterwards?""My fare was seventy-five cents.""Did you ever stop to figure this all up exactly?""No, sir.""Well, will you?""Well, you know how much it is, don't you?""Yes, sir, I do. It was twenty-four dollars and sixty-five cents. You said you spent twenty dollars. But here is adiscrepancy of four dollars and sixty-five cents. How do you account for it?""Well, I suppose I didn't figure just exactly right," said Clyde, irritated by the accuracy of figures such as these.
　　But now Mason slyly and softly inquiring: "Oh, yes, Griffiths, I forgot, how much was the boat you hired at BigBittern?" He was eager to hear what Clyde would have to say as to this, seeing that he had worked hard and longon this pitfall.
　　"Oh--ah--ah--that is," began Clyde, hesitatingly, for at Big Bittern, as he now recalled, he had not even troubledto inquire the cost of the boat, feeling as he did at the time that neither he nor Roberta were coming back. Butnow here and in this way it was coming up for the first time. And Mason, realizing that he had caught him here,quickly interpolated a "Yes?" to which Clyde replied, but merely guessing at that: "Why, thirty-five cents anhour--just the same as at Grass Lake--so the boatman said."But he had spoken too quickly. And he did not know that in reserve was the boatman who was still to testify thathe had not stopped to ask the price of the boat. And Mason continued:
　　"Oh, it was, was it? The boatman told you that, did he?""Yes, sir.""Well now, don't you recall that you never asked the boatman at all? It was not thirty-five cents an hour, but fiftycents. But of course you do not know that because you were in such a hurry to get out on the water and you didnot expect to have to come back and pay for it anyway. So you never even asked, you see. Do you see? Do yourecall that now?" And here Mason produced a bill that he had gotten from the boatman and waved it in front ofClyde. "It was fifty cents an hour," he repeated. "They charge more than at Grass Lake. But what I want to knowis, if you are so familiar with these other figures, as you have just shown that you are, how comes it that you arenot familiar with this figure? Didn't you think of the expense of taking her out in a boat and keeping the boatfrom noon until night?" The attack came so swiftly and bitterly that at once Clyde was confused. He twisted andturned, swallowed and looked nervously at the floor, ashamed to look at Jephson who had somehow failed tocoach him as to this.
　　"Well," bawled Mason, "any explanation to make as to that? Doesn't it strike even you as strange that you canremember every other item of all your expenditures--but not that item?" And now each juror was once moretense and leaning forward. And Clyde noting their interest and curiosity, and most likely suspicion, nowreturned:
　　"Well, I don't know just how I came to forget that.""Oh, no, of course you don't," snorted Mason. "A man who is planning to kill a girl on a lone lake has a lot ofthings to think of, and it isn't any wonder if you forget a few of them. But you didn't forget to ask the purser thefare to Sharon, once you got to Three Mile Bay, did you?""I don't remember if I did or not.""Well, he remembers. He testified to it here. You bothered to ask the price of the room at Grass Lake. You askedthe price of the boat there. You even asked the price of the bus fare to Big Bittern. What a pity you couldn't thinkto ask the price of the boat at Big Bittern? You wouldn't be so nervous about it now, would you?" and hereMason looked at the jurors as much as to say: You see!
　　"I just didn't think of it, I guess," repeated Clyde.
　　"A very satisfactory explanation, I'm sure," went on Mason, sarcastically. And then as swiftly as possible: "Idon't suppose you happen to recall an item of thirteen dollars and twenty cents paid for a lunch at the Casino onJuly ninth--the day after Roberta Alden's death--do you or do you not?" Mason was dramatic, persistent, swift-scarcelygiving him time to think or breathe, as he saw it.
　　At this Clyde almost jumped, so startled was he by this question and charge, for he did not know that they hadfound out about the lunch. "And do you remember, too," went on Mason, "that over eighty dollars was found onyou when you were arrested?""Yes, I remember it now," he replied.
　　As for the eighty dollars he had forgotten. Yet now he said nothing, for he could not think what to say.
　　"How about that?" went on Mason, doggedly and savagely. "If you only had fifty dollars when you left Lycurgusand over eighty dollars when you were arrested, and you spent twenty-four dollars and sixty-five cents plusthirteen for a lunch, where did you get that extra money from?""Well, I can't answer that just now," replied Clyde, sullenly, for he felt cornered and hurt. That was Sondra'smoney and nothing would drag out of him where he had gotten it.
　　"Why can't you answer it?" roared Mason. "Where do you think you are, anyhow? And what do you think we arehere for? To say what you will or will not answer? You are on trial for your life--don't forget that! You can't playfast and loose with law, however much you may have lied to me. You are here before these twelve men and theyare waiting to know. Now, what about it? Where did you get that money?""I borrowed it from a friend.""Well, give his name. What friend?""I don't care to"Oh, you don't! Well, you're lying about the amount of money you had when you left Lycurgus--that's plain. Andunder oath, too. Don't forget that! That sacred oath that you respect so much. Isn't that true?""No, it isn't," finally observed Clyde, stung to reason by this charge. "I borrowed that money after I got toTwelfth Lake.""And from whom?""Well, I can't say.""Which makes the statement worthless," retorted Mason.
　　Clyde was beginning to show a disposition to balk. He had been sinking his voice and each time Masoncommanded him to speak up and turn around so the jury could see his face, he had done so, only feeling moreand more resentful toward this man who was thus trying to drag out of him every secret he possessed. He hadtouched on Sondra, and she was still too near his heart to reveal anything that would reflect on her. So now he satstaring down at the jurors somewhat defiantly, when Mason picked up some pictures.
　　"Remember these?" he now asked Clyde, showing him some of the dim and water-marked reproductions ofRoberta besides some views of Clyde and some others--none of them containing the face of Sondra-- which weremade at the Cranstons' on his first visit, as well as four others made at Bear Lake later, and with one of themshowing him holding a banjo, his fingers in position. "Recall where these were made?" asked Mason, showinghim the reproduction of Roberta first.
　　"Yes, I do.""Where was it?""On the south shore of Big Bittern the day we were there." He knew that they were in the camera and had toldBelknap and Jephson about them, yet now he was not a little surprised to think that they had been able to developthem.
　　"Griffiths," went on Mason, "your lawyers didn't tell you that they fished and fished for that camera you sworeyou didn't have with you before they found that I had it, did they?""They never said anything to me about it," replied Clyde.
　　"Well, that's too bad. I could have saved them a lot of trouble. Well, these were the photos that were found in thatcamera and that were made just after that change of heart you experienced, you remember?""I remember when they were made," replied Clyde, sullenly.
　　"Well, they were made before you two went out in that boat for the last time--before you finally told herwhatever it was you wanted to tell her--before she was murdered out there--at a time when, as you have testified,she was very sad.""No, that was the day before," defied Clyde.
　　"Oh, I see. Well, anyhow, these pictures look a little cheerful for one who was as depressed as you say she was.""Well--but--she wasn't nearly as depressed then as she was the day before," flashed Clyde, for this was the truthand he remembered it.
　　"I see. But just the same, look at these other pictures. These three here, for instance. Where were they made?""At the Cranston Lodge on Twelfth Lake, I think.""Right. And that was June eighteenth or nineteenth, wasn't it?""On the nineteenth, I think.""Well, now, do you recall a letter Roberta wrote you on the nineteenth?""No, sir.""You don't recall any particular one?""No, sir.""But they were all very sad, you have said.""Yes, sir--they were.""Well, this is that letter written at the time these pictures were made." He turned to the jury.
　　"I would like the jury to look at these pictures and then listen to just one passage from this letter written by MissAlden to this defendant on the same day. He has admitted that he was refusing to write or telephone her,although he was sorry for her," he said, turning to the jury. And here he opened a letter and read a long sad pleafrom Roberta. "And now here are four more pictures, Griffiths." And he handed Clyde the four made at BearLake. "Very cheerful, don't you think? Not much like pictures of a man who has just experienced a great changeof heart after a most terrific period of doubt and worry and evil conduct--and has just seen the woman whom hehad most cruelly wronged, but whom he now proposed to do right by, suddenly drowned. They look as thoughyou hadn't a care in the world, don't they?""Well, they were just group pictures. I couldn't very well keep out of them.""But this one in the water here. Didn't it trouble you the least bit to go in the water the second or third day afterRoberta Alden had sunk to the bottom of Big Bittern, and especially when you had experienced such an inspiringchange of heart in regard to her?""I didn't want any one to know I had been up there with her.""We know all about that. But how about this banjo picture here. Look at this!" And he held it out. "Very gay,isn't it?" he snarled. And now Clyde, dubious and frightened, replied:
　　"But I wasn't enjoying myself just the same!""Not when you were playing the banjo here? Not when you were playing golf and tennis with your friends thevery next day after her death? Not when you were buying and eating thirteen-dollar lunches? Not when you werewith Miss X again, and where you yourself testified that you preferred to be?"Mason's manner was snarling, punitive, sinister, bitterly sarcastic.
　　"Well, not just then, anyhow--no, sir.""What do you mean--'not just then'? Weren't you where you wanted to be?""Well, in one way I was--certainly," replied Clyde, thinking of what Sondra would think when she read this, asunquestionably she would. Quite everything of all this was being published in the papers every day. He could notdeny that he was with her and that he wanted to be with her. At the same time he had not been happy. Howmiserably unhappy he had been, enmeshed in that shameful and brutal plot! But now he must explain in someway so that Sondra, when she should read it, and this jury, would understand. And so now he added, while heswallowed with his dry throat and licked his lips with his dry tongue: "But I was sorry about Miss Alden just thesame. I couldn't be happy then--I couldn't be. I was just trying to make people think that I hadn't had anything todo with her going up there--that's all. I couldn't see that there was any better way to do. I didn't want to bearrested for what I hadn't done.""Don't you know that is false! Don't you know you are lying!" shouted Mason, as though to the whole world, andthe fire and the fury of his unbelief and contempt was sufficient to convince the jury, as well as the spectators,that Clyde was the most unmitigated of liars. "You heard the testimony of Rufus Martin, the second cook upthere at Bear Lake?""Yes, sir.""You heard him swear that he saw you and Miss X at a certain point overlooking Bear Lake and that she was inyour arms and that you were kissing her. Was that true?""Yes, sir.""And that exactly four days after you had left Roberta Alden under the waters of Big Bittern. Were you afraid of being arrested then?""Yes, sir.""Even when you were kissing her and holding her in your arms?""Yes, sir," replied Clyde drearily and hopelessly.
　　"Well, of all things!" bawled Mason. "Could you imagine such stuff being whimpered before a jury, if you hadn'theard it with your own ears? Do you really sit there and swear to this jury that you could bill and coo with onedeceived girl in your arms and a second one in a lake a hundred miles away, and yet be miserable because ofwhat you were doing?""Just the same, that's the way it was," replied Clyde.
　　"Excellent! Incomparable," shouted Mason.
　　And here he wearily and sighfully drew forth his large white handkerchief once more and surveying thecourtroom at large proceeded to mop his face as much as to say: Well, this is a task indeed, then continuing withmore force than ever:
　　"Griffiths, only yesterday on the witness stand you swore that you personally had no plan to go to Big Bitternwhen you left Lycurgus.""No, sir, I hadn't.""But when you two got in that room at the Renfrew House in Utica and you saw how tired she looked, it was youthat suggested that a vacation of some kind--a little one--something within the range of your joint purses at thetime--would be good for her. Wasn't that the way of it?""Yes, sir. That was the way of it," replied Clyde.
　　"But up to that time you hadn't even thought of the Adirondacks

回复 引用 新鲜事
顶端
司凌。

ZxID：9742737

2429874鲜花 36鸡蛋

等级: 派派版主
配偶: 此微夜
原名：独爱穿越。
举报 只看该作者 94楼  发表于: 2013-10-25 0


第二十五章
梅森在直接审讯克莱德的全过程时的心境,自始至终象一头烦躁不安的猎犬,恨不得一口咬住猎物的后脚跟,又象一头只消最后一跳准能咬住猎物的狐狸.这时,梅森心潮如涌,恨不得彻底驳倒克莱德的证词,同时证明它从头至尾全都是谎言(事实上,至少一部分确实是谎言).杰夫森话音刚落,他就一步窜了上去,站在克莱德面前.克莱德一见到梅森如此怒火中烧,一心想把他毁掉,好象自己马上就要挨揍似的.
"格里菲思,当她在小船上向你身边走过来时,你手里拿着照相机,是吧?"
"是的,先生."
"她先是东歪西倒,后来摔倒了,是你无意之中用照相机砸了她,是吧?"
"是的."
"既然你这么忠诚老实,我想,你当然能记得——你在大比腾岸上树林子里曾对我说你从来也没有过照相机,是吧?"
"是的,先生——这我记得."
"当然罗,那是撒谎?"
"是的,先生."
"而且,那时你是那么信誓旦旦,如同现在又一次撒谎一模一样?"
"现在我可没有撒谎.以前我为什么那么说,我已在这里解释过了."
"以前你为什么那么说,你已在这里解释过了!以前你为什么那么说,你已在这里解释过了!以前你在那里撒过谎,现在你就指望人们在这里会相信你,可不是吗?"
贝尔纳普站了起来,准备提出异议,但被杰夫森拉住,又落了座.
"哦,不管怎么说,反正我说的是实话."
"当然罗,世界上没有任何力量能让你在这里再撒谎了——甚至连你自己想逃脱电椅那种强烈的愿望也不成,是吧?"
克莱德脸色煞白,身子微微颤抖;他那熬红了的眼皮一个劲儿眨巴着."唉,也许我撒过谎.不过,我想发过誓以后就不会再撒谎了."
"你想不会!哦,我明白了.不管你上哪里,尽管撒谎好了——而且,也不管是在什么时间——什么场合——只要不是在你因犯谋杀罪而受审判的时候!"
"不,先生.完全不是这样.反正刚才我说的是实话."
"莫不是你指着《圣经》起誓,说你回心转意了?"
"是的,先生."
"而且,还说:奥尔登小姐很伤心,因此,你才回心转意的,是吧?"
"是的,先生.事实就是这样."
"嗯,那末,格里菲思,当她在乡下小住等你的时候,这里那么多的信都是她写给你的,可不是?"
"是的,先生."
"平均每隔两天你就收到一封,可不是?"
"是的,先生."
"那你也知道,她在那里很孤独,很苦恼,可不是?"
"是的,先生——不过,我早就解释过了——""天哪,你早就解释过了!你是说,你的辩护律师替你解释过了!他们不是天天在牢房里训练你,教会你到时候该怎么回答,是吧?"
"不,先生,他们可没有!"克莱德一下子发觉了杰夫森的眼色,就斗胆回答说.
"嗯,那末,当我在熊湖问你这个姑娘是怎么死的——那时候你为什么不跟我说呢?要是你说了,不是可以省去所有这些麻烦、怀疑和调查吗?反正整整五个月了,你已在两位辩护律师帮助下把每一句话都琢磨透了,你不觉得公众当时在那儿会比现在更加乐意听信你吗?"
"不过,我想,这可不是跟哪一位辩护律师一块琢磨出来的,"克莱德执拗地说,两眼依然直瞅着倾其全力支持他的杰夫森."当初我为什么那样做,刚才我已经解释过了!""你已经解释过了!你已经解释过了!"梅森大声吼叫说.他知道,不管什么时候,克莱德只要被逼得太紧了,就会把这种弄虚作假的解释当成他的挡箭牌,当成防身挡板,躲在后面.梅森不由得心头起火——这个小泼皮!所以他在继续讯问的时候因压不住胸中怒火而浑身发抖.
"在你们这次出门旅游以前——她给你写过这些信——
你觉得这些信写得让人很伤心的,是吧?"
"哦,是的,先生.反正有些地方,"他漫不经心地迟疑了一会儿说."是让人伤心的."
"啊,我明白了——嘿,只不过是有些地方罢了.本来我还以为如今你就只好说,你认为这些信确实令人伤心嘛."
"是的,现在我是这么认为的."
"那末,过去你也是这么认为的?"
"是的,先生——过去我就是这么认为的."可是,克莱德的目光开始紧张不安地朝杰夫森方向转悠着,这时杰夫森两眼有如一道探照灯的光束紧紧地照住了他.
"记得她是这样给你写的吧?"说到这里,梅森捡出里头的一封,打开来念了:"克莱德——亲爱的,你要是不来,我一定会死的.我是那么孤单.现在我简直快要发疯了.我真巴不得自己出走了,永远不回来,或是再也不来麻烦你.不过,既然你不肯写信,只要你能给我——哪怕是隔一天——打电话也好.而我现在正是那么需要你,那么需要你说一句鼓励的话啊."梅森的声音,既柔和而又悲切.当他念信的时候,一瞬间怜悯之心如同波浪起伏、声光穿透一般,不仅感染了他自己,而且还感染了这座又高又窄的法庭大厅里每一个听众."你觉得字里行间哪怕是有点儿让人伤心吗?"
"是的,先生,我觉得是的."
"当时你也觉得伤心吗?"
"是的,先生,当时也觉得伤心."
"你知道,这是出自真挚的感情,嗯?"梅森咆哮着说.
"是的,先生.我知道."
"在大比腾湖心的时候,用你的话来说,是有一种怜悯心深深地感动过你.那末,为什么在莱柯格斯,这种怜悯心(即使是一丁点儿吧)都没有使你感动得在你寄宿的佩顿太太家里拿起电话筒,哪怕是只说一声你会来的,借以安慰一下这个孤苦无告的姑娘呢?是不是因为你那时对她的怜悯不是那么多,还比不上在她给你写了那封威胁信以后?还是因为你已策划好阴谋,深怕给她打电话太多了说不定会引人注意?你在大比腾时突然那么强烈地怜悯她,而在莱柯格斯却又无动于衷,这究竟是怎么一回事呢?是不是你的感情就象自来水——要开就开,要关就关?"
"我从来没有说过我对她毫无怜悯心,"克莱德刚瞥见杰夫森两眼一闪,就放胆回答说.
"是啊,可你逼使她干等着,一直到了她出于恐惧和绝望才不得不威胁你."
"哦,我已经承认过去自己对待她的态度不是很妥当的."
"哈!哈!妥当!妥当!因为你供认了这一点,所以面对我们这里已听到的其他证词,包括你自己的证词在内,你指望自己作为一个自由人从这里走出去,可不是?"
贝尔纳普再也按捺不住了.他提出了异议——他怒不可遏地对法官说:"这简直是太无耻了,法官阁下.难道说地方检察官可以肆无忌惮地把每次提问变成一篇起诉演讲?"
"我可没有听出有什么可提出异议的意思来,"法官反驳说."请地方检察官恰当地提问."
梅森对这一指责满不在乎,又转过身来冲克莱德说:"你在作证时说过,你在大比腾湖心小船上,手里拿的是那架你一度曾经否认过的照相机,是吧?"
"是的,先生."
"那末,奥尔登小姐是在船尾,是吧?"
"是的,先生."
"伯顿,把那条小船抬过来,好吗?"说到这里,他就向伯顿喊了一声.地方检察官办公室的四名助手,从法官高坛后朝西那一道门走了出去,不一会儿,把克莱德和罗伯达乘坐过的那条小船扛了进来,停放在陪审团面前.克莱德顿时浑身寒颤,两眼发呆,直瞅着它.正是这条小船!他两眼眨巴着,全身瑟瑟发抖.这时,全场听众沸沸扬扬,都紧张地张大眼睛凝视着前方,但听见怀着极大好奇心和全神贯注的人们所发出的喧闹声,简直如同潮涌一般扫过整个大厅.随后,梅森手里举起那架照相机上下挥动,还大声嚷道:"得了,现在就请你看看,格里菲思!你从来没有过的这架照相机.你下来,就上这条小船去,拿着这架照相机,做给陪审团看看:当时你究竟坐在哪儿,奥尔登小姐坐在哪儿.而且,你要尽量做得准确,你是怎样砸了奥尔登小姐,砸在哪个部位,她是在哪儿摔倒的,又是怎样摔倒的."
"抗议!"贝尔纳普大声说.
接下来是双方辩护律师之间展开的一场冗长的、令人疲倦的辩论,最后由法官裁定,认为这种作证的方式至少暂时可以继续进行下去.临了,克莱德声明说:"不过,我并没有故意砸她."梅森当即回答说:"是啊,我们早就听过你这么作证的."随后,克莱德离了座,走下来,经过这样、那样点拨之后,终于踏上那条小船,就在中间那个座位落了座,另有三个男人紧紧地扶着,让那条小船稳住不动.
"现在,纽科姆——请你到船上来,坐在根据格里菲思所说的奥尔登小姐坐过的地方,还要做出那种姿势来,听他说当时她是怎么样,你就怎么做."
"好的,先生,"纽科姆说了,就走过来落了座.这时,克莱德正在竭力捕捉杰夫森的眼色,可是枉然徒劳,因为现在他一坐了下来,身子几乎背着他的辩护律师.
"现在,格里菲思,"梅森接下去说."做给纽科姆先生看,当时奥尔登小姐怎样站了起来,往你这边靠过来.讲给他听听."
这时克莱德觉得自己浑身软弱无力,显然是在做假,人人都在憎恨他,于是又站了起来,动作显得紧张而又生硬——如此怪诞不经的做法,简直使他真有说不出的别扭——竭力做给纽科姆看:罗伯达是怎样站起身来,步子很不稳,几乎向他爬过来,接着东歪西倒,一下子摔倒了.在这以后,他一手拿着照相机,竭力回忆,尽可能精确地演示一下:他的胳臂是怎样在无意之中突然向前一伸,因此就砸了罗伯达.他几乎闹不清楚究竟砸在哪个部位——也许是下巴颏儿和腮帮子,他可说不准,不过,当然不是故意的,而且,当时他就觉得,冲击力也不够大,不见得真的会使她受伤.可是话又说回来,既然克莱德说过自己记不真切,那末,类似这种证词是否合法有效呢——对这个问题,贝尔纳普和梅森当场又争论了很长时间.但是到了最后,奥伯沃泽法官认为这样作证是可以继续下去的,理由是:这样相对来说可以看出,要推倒一个走路"轻盈"或是"不稳"的人,究竟需要——轻轻一推(或一击)呢,还是使劲一推(或一击).
"可是,老天哪,在纽科姆先生这么魁伟的身坯上演示的这一套够滑稽的把戏,请问又怎能看出在奥尔登小姐那样身段和体重的姑娘身上将会出现的情况呢?"贝尔纳普执拗地说.
"好吧,那就请一位象奥尔登小姐那样身段、体重的姑娘来,"他马上招呼泽拉·桑德斯,让她坐到纽科姆的位置上.不料,贝尔纳普还是继续说:
"这又管什么用?条件并不完全一样嘛.这条小船毕竟不是在水上.再说,这两个人对意外打击的抵抗力或是生理反应,也不会都是完全相同的."
"那末,你就是反对做这种模拟演示?"梅森转过头来,挖苦地反问贝尔纳普.
"啊,你高兴尽管去做就得了.不过,你这样做并不能说明什么问题,这谁都看得清清楚楚,"贝尔纳普意味深长地坚持说.
于是,克莱德就在梅森的指点下把泽拉一推,"使出的力气"(他想)就象当时他在无意之中推过罗伯达那样.她稍微后退了一些——不算太后——不过,这么一来,她两手就能抓住两边的船帮,使自己不致有灭顶之灾.于是,陪审团就得出这么一个印象:克莱德意识到自己犯了罪而又怕死,也许故意乱说一通,实际情况一定还要险恶得多,尽管贝尔纳普原以为自己提出反对的那些论点足以把刚才梅森的实验化成泡影了.反正几位法医对这么一砸和头顶上的另一砸可能会有多么大的力量,不是早已作过证了吗?伯顿·伯利不是也作过证,说他在照相机里发现一根头发吗?还有,那个女人听见的那呼喊声呢?这又该怎么说?
不过,这一场结束后,法庭就宣布休庭,明天继续审讯.
转天早上,法官小木锤一敲,梅森照例是那么精神抖擞,那么强劲有力,那么气势汹汹地站了起来.克莱德在牢房里度过了难受的一夜,杰夫森和贝尔纳普又一个劲儿给他打过气,所以他就决心尽量佯装得冷静、坚定,而又露出无辜的样子,但说真的,他并没有这样的胆量.因为他知道此间舆论是一致反对他的,都相信他犯了杀人罪.梅森一开口就恶狠狠、酸溜溜地说:
"格里菲思,你还是坚持说你回心转意了,是吧?"
"是的,先生,我还是坚持."
"你多咱听说过,有人明明是淹死了还会活过来的事吗?"
"我不大明白您的意思."
"你当然知道,有些人最后沉了底,浮不上来了,大家以为是淹死了——可有时候一打捞上来,却又活了,是用急救的方法给救活了——只要给他们做做人工呼吸,放到一根圆木头上或是一只啤酒桶上来回滚动滚动就得了.这样的事,你听说过吗?"
"是的,先生,我想好象听说过.我听说过,有些人,大家以为淹死了,后来又给救活了.不过究竟怎么救活的,我就从来没听说过."
"你从来没听说过吗?"
"没听说过,先生."
"你也没听说过一个人在水里可以待多久,还能救活过来吗?"
"没听说过,先生.我从来没有听说过."
"比方说,有一个人沉在水里足足一刻钟之久,可是后来还能救活,这样的事你从来没有听说过吗?"
"没有听说过,先生."
"那末,你一游到岸上以后,压根儿就没有想到,你也许可以大声呼救,甚至在那时,还有可能把她救活,是吧?""不是,先生,我可并没有想到.我以为那时她早已死了.""我明白了.哦,不过,当时她在水里还活着呢——这又该怎么说呢?你的水性一向挺好,可不是?"
"是的,先生,我的水性不错."
"比方说,能穿着衣服和鞋子游上五百多英尺,把自己的命给保住了.可不是这样?"
"哦,当时我是游过那么远——是的,先生."
"是的,你确实游过那么远——而且,对一个不肯向那条掀翻掉的小船游过去三十五英尺的人来说,我说,可真不赖呢,"梅森下结论说.
这时,贝尔纳普原想提议不要把类似这样的评语记录在案,但被杰夫森一下子拦阻了.
接着,克莱德在不断逼问下谈到他划船、游泳的经历,他不得不招认:有好多次他到湖上去是坐了挺危险的小划子,可从来没有碰到过什么意外事故.
"你第一次带罗伯达游克拉姆湖,就是坐小划子,可不是?"
"是的,先生."
"不过,那一回你没有碰到过什么意外事故?"
"没有,先生."
"那时候你很爱她,可不是?"
"是的,先生."
"不过,那天她坐上这条结实的圆肚底小划子,淹死在大比腾湖时,你早已不再爱她了?"
"哦,那时我心里怎么感觉,反正我已说过了."
"当然罗,这同在克拉姆湖上时你是爱她的这一事实之间并没有什么联系,不过,在大比腾湖——"
"那时候我心里有怎样的感觉,我早已说过了.""不过,反正你还是想把她摆脱掉,可不是?她还没有死,你就马上逃到另一个姑娘那儿去了.这你可并不否认,是吧?""我为什么这么做,反正我解释过了,"克莱德又重申了一遍.
"解释过了!解释过了!而且你指望任何一个公正、正派、明智的人都相信你这种解释,是吧?"梅森怒火直冒,简直按捺不住了.而克莱德对此也不敢再置一词了.法官预料到杰夫森对此会提出异议,因此就提前大声吼道:"支持异议."可梅森还是照样说下去."说不定,格里菲思,你会说,你在划船时只不过有点粗心大意,自个儿把小船给碰翻了,是吧?"他走到克莱德身旁,乜了一眼.
"没有,先生,我可不是粗心大意.这是我无法防止发生的一次意外事故."克莱德面色苍白、疲惫,可还是保持相当镇静.
"一次意外事故.比方说,就象堪萨斯城那次意外事故一模一样.这一类意外事故嘛,格里菲思,你倒是很熟悉,可不是吗?"梅森一面冷笑,一面慢条斯理地问道.
"那件事是怎样发生的,我早已解释过了,"克莱德紧张不安地回答说.
"陷害少女们致死的这一类意外事故,你倒是很在行,可不是吗?在她们里头某一个快死的时候,你总是逃掉了吧?"
"我抗议,"贝尔纳普蹦了起来,大声吼道.
"支持异议,"奥伯沃泽厉声喊道."本庭审讯概不涉及其他意外事故.请原告及其律师一方的发言,只能与本案有关为限."
原来杰夫森曾就堪萨斯城那次意外事故作过辩解,现在梅森对杰夫森进行还报后感到很得意,就继续说,"格里菲思,经你无意之中的一击把小船碰翻后,你和奥尔登小姐一起落了水——你们两人相隔有多大距离?"
"哦,当时我可没有注意呢."
"相当近,可不是吗?当然不见得会超过一两英尺——从你站在船上来估摸吧?"
"哦,我可没有注意呢.也许是那样,是的,先生."
"挨得够近的,只要你乐意高抬贵手的话,准能一把抓住她,紧紧地把她抱住,可不是吗?当时眼看着她快要摔倒,你一跃而起,不就是为了这个吗?"
"是的,我就是为了这个才一跃而起的,"克莱德够费劲地说."不过并不是挨得够近,拉不住她.我一下子沉到水里,这我记得很清楚,可当我浮上水面时,她却离开我相当远了.""得了,说得确切些,有多远?从这儿到陪审席这一头,还是到那一头?是有一半远,还是怎么的?"
"哦,我说过我可没有怎么注意呗.我估摸,大约从这儿到那一头那么远吧,"他谎报距离,少说也多算了八英尺."不是真的吧?"梅森故意大吃一惊地嚷道."眼前这条小船翻了,你们两人几乎肩并肩一块落了水,等你浮上水面的时候,你和她已经相隔几乎有二十英尺远了.你不觉得你的记忆力有点儿不管用了吗?"
"哦,我浮上水面的时候,觉得就是这样."
"得了——现在,你听着,小船翻了,你们俩都浮上水面,那你离开小船有多远?小船在这儿,你在听众那一头——我要说的是距离有多远?"
"哦,我说过,我第一次浮上水面的时候,我可没有太注意呢."克莱德回答说,疑惑不安地望着他面前的法庭大厅.最清楚不过了,有一口陷阱正在等着他."我估摸,大约从这儿到您的桌子那边栏杆的地方."
"那末,大约有三十五英尺,"梅森狡猾地、满怀希望地提示说.
"是的,先生.也许差不离.我可说不准."
"就这么着,你在那儿,小船在这儿,那时奥尔登小姐该在哪儿?"
克莱德这时才明白:梅森心里必定有一个依据几何学或数学算法制定的策略,很想用它来给他定罪.他一下子警惕起来,两眼往杰夫森那边直瞅着.同时,他心中琢磨又不能说自己跟罗伯达离得太远.他说过她不习水性.跟他相比,她当时不是离开那小船要更近一些吗?那是当然罗.他就昏头昏脑——胡思乱想——最好就说她离开小船差不多有一半远——多半不会更远了.他就这么说了出来.梅森马上就抢白说:
"那末,她离开你或者离开小船,都不会超过十五英尺左右吧."
"不会的,先生,也许不会的.我估摸不会的.""那末,你是不是想说:这么一点儿距离你都不能游过去,把她托出水面,然后再游到离她十五英尺远的那条小船吗?""哦,我说过了,我浮上水面的时候,有一点儿头晕,而她正在拚命挣扎,还一个劲儿在尖叫."
"不过,小船在那边——据你自己说,不超过三十五英尺——在那么短的时间里,竟然漂开了这么远的一段距离,我说!过后你游上五百英尺到了岸上——你是不是想说,你却没有能游到小船那边去,及时把小船推向她身边,让她救活自己呢?那时她正挣扎着要浮上水面,可不是吗?"
"是的,先生.不过,我一开头就吓懵了,"克莱德脸色一沉辩解说,这时才感到陪审员和听众所有的眼睛全都盯着他的脸."而且……而且……"(这时,整个大厅里人们对他的怀疑和不信任感,已汇集成一股强大的力量,使他几乎丧了胆,以致含含糊糊、结结巴巴地说不出话来了……)"也许我想,当时我没能很快就想到该怎么办.再说,我深怕要是我一游到她身边……"
"哦,我明白了:好一个思想上和道德上的懦夫,"梅森冷笑说."反正只要慢对你有利,就慢慢地想,而行动快对你有利,那就快快行动呗.就是这样吧?"
"不是的,先生."
"得了吧,如果说不是,那就跟我说说,格里菲思:为什么后来你一出水面,心里就泰然自若,在走出树林子以前,还要先把三脚架藏起来,但要搭救她的时候,你就吓懵了,束手无策了?为什么你一上了岸,却马上就能如此镇静沉着,思虑周到?这你又该怎么说呢?"
"哦……哦……我跟您说过了……后来我明白此外再也没有别的办法了."
"是啊,这一切我们全都知道了.不过,你有没有想到过:经过落水这么一场大惊慌以后,需要头脑非常冷静,才能定下心来,做那么翼翼小心的事——把三脚架藏起来,是吧?你怎么会对三脚架想得那么仔细周到,而在这以前,你对那条小船却什么都没有想到呢?"
"哦……不过……"
"你可并不想要她活下去,尽管你胡说过自己回心转意了!难道说不就是这么一回事?"梅森大声吼道."这不就是居心险恶、令人伤心的真相吗?眼睁睁看着她身子正在沉下去,对你来说,岂不是正中下怀.反正你就是恨不得让她沉下去!
不就是这么一回事?"
他一面大叫大嚷,一面全身在颤抖.而克莱德呢,两眼直瞅着在他面前的那条小船——罗伯达沉下去时,她的那一双眼睛,和她临死前的呼喊声,所有这一切令人怵目惊心的可怕情景,又历历如在眼前.他不由得惊惶失措,蜷缩在他的座席上——梅森把当时真实的情况解释得如此活灵活现,真的把他吓死了.因为,罗伯达落水后他不愿救她这事,哪怕是在杰夫森和贝尔纳普面前,他也从来没有承认过.他只好一成不变,照旧隐瞒真相,硬说他心里是想救她的,但因当时来势太快,而且,她的呼喊声和她沉底前的挣扎一下子使他头晕了,吓懵了,所以在她灭顶以前,他早就茫然不知所措了."我……我心里是想救她的,"他咕哝着说,脸色一下子发灰了,"不过……不过……正如我说过的,我也头晕了……而且……而且……"
"你知不知道你这是在撒谎!"梅森一面直着嗓门大嚷,一面逼近克莱德身旁,高高举起他那两条粗壮有力的胳臂,瞧他那张丑八怪的脸正在皱眉怒视,活象滴水嘴上雕饰——奇形怪状的复仇之神."你是别有用心,凭借你那残忍的狡猾手段,听任这个可怜的、受尽了折磨的姑娘活活死掉,其实,你为了自己活命,明明五百英尺也都游过去,说明你是能够毫不费劲地把她救起来的,是吧?"因为如今梅森相信自己深知克莱德实际上是怎样害死罗伯达的,而且从克莱德的脸色和神态上某些表现来看,使他更加深信无疑.于是,他毅然决定,要竭尽全力,逼使被告从实招认.不料,贝尔纳普马上站起来抗议,说陪审团很不公正,对他的当事人怀有偏见;又说他现在有权——此刻有义务——宣告这是无效审判.他的这一要求,最后被奥伯沃泽法官驳回了.不过,尽管如此,克莱德却赢得时间,来答复梅森提问,虽然他还是那么软弱无力地说:"不!不!我可没有能耐.我是想要把她救起来的,可是没能做到."可是,全体陪审员都注意到,从他那整个态度表现可以看出,他不是一个在说真话的人,而确实是一个思想上和道德上的懦夫,有如贝尔纳普一再形容他的那样——比这更坏的是,他确实犯了谋害罗伯达致死的罪.每位陪审员毕竟都在一面听,一面扪心自问:克莱德既然过后还有足够的力气游到岸上,那他为什么就不能把她救起来呢.要不然,至少也应该游过去,抓住那条小船,帮着罗伯达抓紧船帮呀?
"她身重只有一百磅,可不是吗?"梅森愤怒地继续说.
"是的,我想是的."
"而你呢——那时候你有多重?"
"大约一百四十磅,"克莱德回答说.
"一个一百四十磅的男子汉,"梅森回过头来冲陪审团冷笑说,"就是害怕游到一个快要淹死、病弱不堪、才只有一百磅重的小姑娘身边,深怕她会紧紧抓住他,把他一块拖下水去!何况就在离他只有十五或二十英尺远那里,还有一条很棒的小船,船体够结实的,准能载得起三四个人!你看,这怎么说呀?"
为了强调这一事实,让它深入人心,这时梅森沉吟不语,从口袋里掏出一大块白手绢,揩擦脖子、脸和手腕——因为心情太激动和全身使劲儿,这些部位全都透湿了——然后掉过头来,冲伯顿·伯利大声说:"你不妨就把这条船扛出去吧,伯顿.反正我们暂时用不着它了."四名助手当即把小船抬了出去.
接着,梅森心情恢复了平静以后,又扭过头去问克莱德:"格里菲思,罗伯达·奥尔登的头发是什么颜色,有什么样手感,当然罗,你是够清楚的,是吧?你是跟她够亲密的,准知道吧?"
"我知道她的头发颜色,我觉得我是知道的,"克莱德答话时浑身瑟缩——谁都几乎可以看出,他一想到她的头发,就痛苦地打了个寒颤.
"有什么样的手感,这你也是够清楚的,是吧?"梅森一个劲儿追问."在某某小姐出现以前,在你们那些热恋的日子里,谅你一定常常去抚摸呗."
"我不知道,我可说不准,"克莱德回答时,瞥见了杰夫森投来的眼色.
"嗯,略微说说手感吧.是粗硬的,还是细软的——象丝一般,还是粗硬得很,谅你一定知道呗.这你是知道的,是吧?"
"是的,象丝一般."
"嗯,这儿就有一缕头发,"这时,梅森找补着说,主要目的是为了在精神上折磨克莱德,于是就朝他的桌子走过去,从桌子上一个信封里抽出来一缕淡棕色的长头发."这象不象是她的头发?"说罢,他把这一缕头发递给了克莱德.克莱德大惊失色,直往后面退缩,仿佛这是某种不洁净或是有危险性的东西——但是,不一会儿,他就竭力使自己保持镇定——这一切警觉性很高的陪审团全都看在眼里了."得了,别害怕,"梅森讥刺地说."这不过是你已故的情人的头发嘛."
克莱德被这句话怔住了——又注意到陪审团仔细注视着他的目光,他便伸手过去接住那缕头发."看一看,摸一摸,这好像是她的头发,是吧?"梅森接着说.
"哦,反正看起来好象是的,"克莱德抖抖索索地回答说."再看看,"梅森接下去说,一溜快跑朝桌子走去,但又马上回来了,手里拿着那架照相机.照相机的盖子和镜头之间,夹着罗伯达的两缕头发,原来是伯利特意塞了进去的.梅森要把照相机递给他."把这架照相机拿着.这是你的,虽然你发誓说过不是你的——再看看里头的两缕头发.总看到了吧?"他冲克莱德的面孔把照相机硬塞了过去,仿佛要用照相机砸他似的."这两缕头发——大概是——在你轻轻地砸了她,给她脸部留下斑斑伤痕的时候夹在里头的.你能不能给陪审团说说,这些头发究竟是她的,或者说不是她的?"
"我说不准,"克莱德回话时,声音极低,几乎让人都听不见了.
"是怎么啦?大声说呀.莫要做一个思想上、道德上的懦夫.这些头发,到底是她的,或者说不是她的?"
"我说不准,"克莱德又重复说了一遍——不过,这两缕头发,他却连看都不敢看了.
"看吧.再看看清楚.把这两缕头发跟这一绺比较一下.
我们知道这一绺是奥尔登小姐的头发.而你也知道,…………,是吧?你瞧着的时候切莫露出这么恶心的样子.她活着的时候,这些头发你可是摸够了吧.如今她死了.这些头发不会咬你一口的.这两缕头发跟另外这一绺头发是一样的,还是不一样的,而另外这一绺头发,我们清清楚楚知道是她的——不论颜色也好,手感也好,全都一样,是吧?再看看清楚!回答!
到底是一样的,还是不一样?"
处于这种压力之下,尽管贝尔纳普在场,克莱德不得不看上一眼,而且还用手摸了一下.只不过他照例谨小慎微地回答说:"我可说不准.看一看,摸一摸,倒是好象有点儿一样,但我还是说不准."
"嘿,你说不准?可你分明知道你是拿了这架照相机残酷而又狠命地砸她的时候——这两缕头发也就一起给夹了进去."
"可我并没有狠命地砸过她呀,"克莱德执拗地说话时直瞅着杰夫森的眼色."而且我也说不准什么头发不头发."他暗自思忖,他决不让此人这么吓唬他,但同时又觉得自己浑身虚弱极了,几乎想呕吐.而梅森呢,先不谈别的,仅仅在攻心方面已经奏效,便不由得扬扬自得,重新把照相机和那绺头发放到桌子上,说:"得了,反正已经有人充分作证过,说这架照相机从湖里打捞上来时,这两缕头发就夹在里头的.而且,你自己也发过誓,说这架照相机在落水以前,就是在你手里拿着的."
他沉吟不语,又暗自揣摸了一下——能不能想出一些新招来折磨克莱德,于是又开口问道:
"格里菲思,关于你往南走穿过树林子一事,你到达三英里湾是什么时候?"
"我估摸,大约是凌晨四点钟——天快亮了."
"从这时起到汽船开出以前,你都在干些什么?"
"哦,我只是到处转悠罢了."
"在三英里湾?"
"不,先生——就在三英里湾附近."
"依我看,是在树林子里吧,等村民们都起身了你才进村,要不然进村太早,被人觉得挺奇怪的.是这样吧?""哦,我是等到太阳出来才进村的.再说,我也怪累的,就坐下来歇歇脚了."
"你睡得好吗?做过美梦吗?"
"是的,我太累了,睡过一会儿."
"有关那艘汽船、开船时间,以及三英里湾的种种情况,你怎么会了解得那么一清二楚?是不是你事先就掌握这些情况?"
"哦,那边大家都知道那艘汽船经常往来于沙隆和三英里湾之间的."
"啊,大家都知道吗?还是有别的什么原因呢?"
"得了,我们两人正在寻摸一个地方以便结婚的时候,就都注意到三英里湾了,"克莱德怪佻巧地回答说,"不过,我们发现那儿不通火车.火车只通到沙隆."
"但是,你一定会注意到它是在大比腾以南?"
"哦,是的——我想是注意到的,"克莱德回答说."而且,冈洛奇西头那条路,往南沿着大比腾湖南端,是一直通到那里的,是吧?"
"哦,等我到达那儿以后,才发现有那么一条路,反正是一条羊肠小道——不过,我压根儿不认为它能够得上算是一条路."
"我明白了.那末,你在树林子里碰见那三个人的时候,怎么会向他们打听到三英里湾还有多远呢?"
"我并没有向他们打听过这个,"克莱德回答说.这是杰夫森早就关照过他要这么回答的."我问过他们知不却道有哪条路可以通到三英里湾,还问过上那儿有多远.我并不知道是不是就是那条路."
"嘿,他们在这里作证时可不是这么说的呀."
"哦,他们是怎么作证的我可管不着,反正我就是这么问过他们的."
"我看,根据你的说法,所有的证人都在撒谎,只有你才是唯一的老实人……是这样吧?不过,你到了三英里湾以后,有没有上哪儿吃过东西?谅你肚子一定很饿了,可不是吗?"
"不,我肚子不饿,"克莱德简单地回答说.
"你一心只想离开那个地方,越快越好,是吧?你深怕那三个人也许一到了大比腾,听到奥尔登小姐惨死一事,就会说起他们碰见过你——是这样吧?"
"不,不是这样.不过,我不想滞留在那儿.原因我早已说过了."
"我明白了.不过,你到了沙隆以后,觉得比较安全得多了——也比较远得多了,你就不会错过时间,不吃点东西,是吧?
那儿东西的味道怪不错,是吧?"
"说实话,我可不知道.我只喝过一杯咖啡,吃过一块三明治."
"还有一块馅饼,我们都调查清楚了,"梅森找补着说."过后,你跟出站的那拨人一块走,仿佛你刚从奥尔巴尼来似的,正如后来你对每一个人也都是这么说的.是不是这样?"
"是的,是这样."
"不过,就一个在不久前才回心转意、确实无辜的人来说,你觉得自己是不是小心提防得太惊人了吗?象躲藏在树林子里,黑咕隆冬等看,还要假装仿佛是从奥尔巴尼来的."
"这一切我早都解释过了,"克莱德执拗地说.
梅森下一步打算要揭露克莱德的丑行,因为他不顾罗伯达对他所作出的一切奉献,竟然在三家不同的旅社登记时报了三个假名字,使罗伯达在这三天里成为三个假设中的不同男人的非法配偶.
"你们为什么不分开住呢?"
"您知道,她不愿意这样.她要跟我在一块.再说,我身边钱也并不是太多."
"即使是这样,你在那里为什么如此不尊重她,而在她死后,对她的名声却又如此深表关注,以致你不得不逃走,对她惨死的秘密硬是守口如瓶,为了——据你自己说——保护她的好名声.这又该怎么解释?"
"法官阁下,"贝尔纳普插嘴说."这不是提问,而是在大发宏论哩."
"这个问题我就撤回,"梅森回敬了一句,然后接下去说."再说,你承认不承认自己是一个思想上、道德上的懦夫,格里菲思——你承认吗?"
"不,先生.我不承认."
"你不承认?"
"不,先生."
"那末,如果说你撒了谎,而且对谎言还发过誓,那你就跟那些在思想上、道德上并不懦弱的人一样,都得理所当然地因发伪誓、作伪证而受到蔑视和处罚.这对不对?"
"是的,先生.我想是这样."
"那末,如果说你并不是一个思想上、道德上的懦夫,你凭什么理由认为,当你在无意之中砸了她以后,你可以不去救她而让她葬身在大比腾湖底——你分明知道,由于她的惨死,她父母老人家马上会多么悲恸欲绝——可你竟然对谁都只字不提——只是一走了之——却把三脚架和自己的衣服藏匿起来,于是就象一个常见的杀人犯那样偷偷地溜掉,这些你又该怎么说呢?如果你听说别的某一个人这么做,你会作何感想呢,你会不会认为,这是一个阴谋策划、谋杀得逞以后,妄想逍遥法外的人的行径?或者,你会不会认为,这只不过是某个思想上、道德上的懦夫所耍弄的一些卑鄙下流的诡计罢了;而被此人诱奸过的姑娘意外地惨死的消息一传开去,也许会妨碍他日后的锦绣前程,所以,他就竭力设法逃避这一罪责?究竟是哪一种呢?"
"不管怎么说,反正我并没有害死她,"克莱德执拗地说.
"回答这个问题!"梅森大声吼道.
"我要求庭上向见证人下指示,不必回答这个问题,"杰夫森站了起来插嘴说,先是冲着克莱德,然后又冲着奥伯沃泽法官望了一眼."这纯属是一种诡辩,跟本案事实毫无直接关系."
"我就下指示,"奥伯沃泽法官回答说."见证人不必回答这个问题."克莱德听了以后,只是两眼直瞪着,这一意外的奥援,使他倍受鼓舞.
"得了,让我们继续说下去,"梅森说.由于贝尔纳普和杰夫森如此严加戒备,使他每次进攻的力量和影响一再受挫,他也就更加恼羞成怒了,因此,他就越发坚定,决不让他们得意忘形."你说过,你在去那里以前,是不打算跟她结婚的,只要你能赖掉就赖掉,是吧?"
"是的,先生."
"你说过她巴不得你跟她结婚,可你还没有下定决心,是吧?"
"是的."
"哦,可你记得不记得她放在自己手提箱里的那些烹饪大全、细盐瓶、胡椒瓶,以及刀、叉等等东西?"
"是的,先生.我记得."
"依你看,她在比尔茨动身时——箱子里头带着这些东西——她心里想的,就是到某某地方,住在一个租金便宜的小房间里,依然没有结婚,而你只是每个星期或是每个月去看她一次,是吗?"
克莱德在贝尔纳普还没有提出异议前,很快就作出了一个最合适也没有的答复.
"这事她在心里是怎么想的,我可说不准."
"你在给比尔茨打电话的时候——比方说,是在她给你写信,说要是你不去接她,她自己要去莱柯格斯之后才打的电话——会不会给她说过你要跟她结婚?"
"不,先生——我没有说过."
"你在思想上、道德上还没有怯懦到那种程度,吓得非做这类事不可,是吧?"
"我从来没有说过我是思想上、道德上的懦夫."
"被你诱奸过的姑娘不会吓倒你?"
"只不过那时候,我并不觉得应该跟她结婚."
"你觉得她跟你很不般配,是远远比不上某某小姐,是吧?"
"我认为,如果说我再也不爱她了,那就不应该跟她结婚."
"即使是为了挽救她的名声——还有为了你自己体面身份,也不应该跟她结婚吗?"
"您知道,那时候我就认为,我们在一起,是不会幸福的."
"我想,这是在你大大地回心转意之前吧."
"是的,是在我们到达尤蒂卡以前."
"是在你对某某小姐还是那么狂恋的时候吗?"
"是的,我是爱着某某小姐的."
"你记得不记得,在她写给你的那些信里(对此,你是从来不给答复的),有一封信中,"(说到这里,梅森走过去,从头一批七封信里拿了一封念起来)"她跟你说过这样一些话:'我觉得什么事都是心烦意乱,易变不定,虽然我竭力不让自己去这么想——既然现在我们已经有了我们的计划,而你将照你自己所说的到我身边来.''既然现在我们已经有了我们的计划'——她这么写着,究竟指的是什么?"
"我可不知道,除非是指我要去接她,暂时把她送到一个某某地方去."
"但是并不跟她结婚,当然罗."
"不,我并没有这么说过."
"不过,在那以后,她在同一封信里写道:'在来这儿的路上,我并没有直接回家.我决定在霍默停留一下,看看妹妹、妹夫,因为,我真说不准,下次什么时候还能见到他们.而我是多么想以一个正派女人身份跟他们见见面,要不然从此永远也见不到他们了.'她在这里所谓'正派女人身份',你说究竟是什么意思?是指秘密地住在一个某某地方,不算结过婚,但生下一个孩子,由你捎给她一点钱,后来也许她再回来,佯装是一个无辜的单身女人,或是死了丈夫的小寡妇——还是指别的什么呢?你是不是认为她也有这个意思,就是说她跟你结了婚,哪怕只是临时性,好歹让小孩也能有名有姓?她提到的那个'计划',其内容不会比这更少,是吧?"
"哦,也许她以为这办不到,"克莱德躲躲闪闪地说."不过,我从没有说过要跟她结婚的话."
"得了,得了——这事我们暂时撂下不谈,"梅森执拗地说."不过,现在再看看这一封信,"这时,他就开始念第十封信:'亲爱的,你比原定计划早两天来这儿,也许对你来说也没有什么了不起的,是吧?即使我们不得不靠那么少的一点钱来过日子,我知道,在我们相处的这段时间里——也许这段时间最多不会超过六个月或八个月——反正我总能过得去的.你要明白,到时候你如果要走,我是会同意你走的.我是很能省吃俭用和精打细算的.此外再也没有别的出路了,克莱德,虽然为了你着想,现在我也巴望能有别的出路.''省吃俭用和精打细算','八个月以前不让你走'——依你看,这些话是什么意思?是住在一个租金便宜的小房间里,每星期你来看她一次吗?还是说象她在信里所想的那样,你已经真的同意跟她一块走,跟她结婚了吗?"
"我可不知道,除非她以为也许她能强迫我,"克莱德回答时,许多林区居民、农民和陪审员莫不嗤之以鼻,发出一阵阵冷笑.要知道克莱德漫不经心地说漏了嘴,用了"强迫我"这个词儿,顿时使他们怒不可遏.临了,克莱德还说:"我从来没有同意过."
"除非她能强迫你.也许这就是你对这件事的想法——是吧,格里菲思?"
"是的,先生."
"你愿意就这事如同别的事一样,马上发誓吗?"
"哦,我对这事早已发过誓了."
这时,不管是梅森也好,还是贝尔纳普、杰夫森和克莱德自己,全都感到:在场绝大多数人一开头就对他怀有强烈的憎恶和义愤——现在正以震天撼地之势更加高涨了,而且还弥漫了整个法庭大厅.可是,梅森面前却有的是充裕的时间,他可以从大量证据材料里头随意挑选出一些来,任凭他继续挖苦、嘲弄、折磨克莱德.这时,他看了一看自己的记事摘要——为了他的方便着想,厄尔·纽科姆已经替他把这些摘要排列成扇形,放到了桌子上——他又开了腔说:
"格里菲思,昨天你在你的辩护律师杰夫森先生"(这时,杰夫森先生噗嗤一个冷笑,微微一鞠躬)"开导之下作过证了.你说过七月间在方达和尤蒂卡再次遇见罗伯达·奥尔登之后——也是正当你们开始作这次死亡旅游的时候——你已经回心转意了."
贝尔纳普还来不及提出异议,克莱德早已说出了"是的,先生"这句话,但贝尔纳普好歹还是把"死亡旅游"改成了"旅游".
"你在跟她一块去那里以前,一直不能象你过去那样疼爱她.是这样吧?"
"是的,先生,不象过去一度那样疼爱她."
"你真正疼爱她的时间到底有多久——从什么时候起到什么时候为止?我指的是,在你开始不喜欢她以前的那段时间."
"哦,从我头一次遇见她起,一直到我跟某某小姐相识时为止."
"但是,打这以后就不喜欢了?"
"哦,我可不能说打这以后就完全不喜欢.我还是有点儿疼她的——我想对她还是疼得很——只不过比不上过去了.
我想,我替她感到难过,恐怕比任何别的心情更厉害."
"得了,让我们看一看——比方说吧,这是从去年十二月一日以后,一直到今年四月或是五月——是不是这样?"
"我想,大概就是这段时间——是的,先生."
"那末,在这段时间里——从十二月一日到四月或是五月一日——你跟她来往够亲密的,是吧?"
"是的,先生."
"哪怕你并不是很疼爱她."
"是呀——是的,先生,"克莱德有点儿迟疑地回答说.一提到性犯罪,那些乡巴佬就猛地来了劲儿,一个个俯身向前,伸长了脖子.
"虽然她孤零零一个人在她那个小房间里,捱过了一个又一个夜晚——正如你自己作证时说过,她对你是最忠心也没有了——可是你照例去赶舞会、拜客、宴会、开了汽车兜兜风,却把她扔在那里不管了."
"哦,我并没有老是不去呗."
"啊,没有老是不去吗?不过,关于这个问题,特雷西·特朗布尔、杰尔·特朗布尔、弗雷德里克·塞尔斯、弗兰克·哈里特、伯查德·泰勒等人的证词,你也听到过了,是吧?"
"是的,先生."
"那末,他们都是撒谎呢,还是说的是真话?"
"哦,我想,他们几乎根据自己所记得的说出了真话."
"不过,他们记得不太确切——是这样吧?"
"哦,我并没有老是不去.也许每星期我去两三次——有时说不定是四次——不过不会比这更多了."
"其他时间你都给了奥尔登小姐吗?"
"是的,先生."
"她在这封信里不也正是这么说的吗?"这时,梅森从罗伯达那叠信里头取出另一封信,打开来念道:"'自从那个可怕的圣诞之夜你抛弃了我以来,几乎每个夜晚都是这样,我差不多总是孤零零一个人,捱过了一个又一个夜晚.'难道说她是在撒谎吗?"梅森恶狠狠地质问道.克莱德意识到在这里指控罗伯达撒谎,那就太危险了,于是,他有气无力、羞愧难言地回答说:"不,她并没有撒谎.不过,反正有好几个夜晚我确实是跟她在一起的."
"可是,你也听过吉尔平太太和她丈夫在这里作证时说,从十二月一日起,奥尔登小姐每天晚上差不多老是孤零零一个人待在自己房间里.还说他们替她怪难过的,认为这样闭门独居是很不自然的,他们也劝过她不妨跟他们作伴儿的.可她偏偏不乐意.你听过他们是这样作证的,是吧?"
"是的,先生."
"可你还是一口咬定说有时你跟她在一块的?"
"是的,先生."
"可是,你同时还爱上某某小姐,老是想跟某某小姐见面?"
"是的,先生."
"还想方设法高攀她,让她跟你结婚?"
"我巴不得她——是的,先生."
"但是,不管什么时候,只要哪天夜晚不向另一位大献殷勤,你就继续跟奥尔登小姐发生关系."
"哦……是的,先生,"克莱德再一次犯疑了.让他感到无比懊恼的是,这些情况的揭发,已把他的人品描绘得一塌糊涂;可他总觉得自己还不至于象梅森所说的这么坏,至少他并不是存心要这么坏.别人——莱柯格斯上流社会里那些年轻人——不也是这么干的吗?——要不然,就是他们说得好象真的是那么做的.
"嗯,你的这些博学的辩护律师们,把你说成是一个思想上、道德上的懦夫,你不觉得他们是给你寻摸到一个非常轻描淡写的字眼儿吗?"梅森冷笑着说——就在这时,狭长的法庭大厅后面,有一个愤怒的林区居民发出一个严正要求报仇的声音,说:"让这个该死的孬种见鬼去吧!干吗不宰了他就得了?"这时,贝尔纳普大声吼叫,表示抗议.奥伯沃泽也立时敲起小木锤,要求维持法庭秩序,下令把这个捣乱秩序的人抓起来,同时将没有座位的人通通赶出去——这一道命令果然立时执行了.那个破坏秩序的人被抓了起来,转天早上将开庭提审他.随之而来是一片肃静.梅森按下去说:
"格里菲思,你说过你从莱柯格斯动身时并不打算跟罗伯达·奥尔登结婚的,除非你确实没有办法了,是吧?"
"是的,先生.那时,我就是这么打算的."
"因此,你充分相信自己是一定要回来的?"
"是的,先生——我是肯定要回来的."
"那末,你为什么把你房间里所有的东西都放到箱子里,还上了锁呢?"
"哦……哦……这是,"克莱德犯疑了,这一突如其来的攻势,不仅来得那么迅疾,而且跟刚才说的事完全不相干,使他思想上简直来不及转过来,就有些招架不住了,"哦,您知道——我可不是绝对有把握.我不知道最后我究竟得怎么做,不管我自己愿意不愿意."
"我明白了.所以,要是你在那边出乎意外地决定走掉——就象你后来那样做的——"(这时,梅森冲他假笑着,好象是说——你以为有人会相信你吗?)"你就不会有时间回来,不慌不忙地整理东西,然后再动身,是吧?"
"哦,不,先生——也不是这个原因."
"那末,是什么原因?"
"哦,您知道,"说到这里,一来这个问题事前没有想到,二来自己又不能急中生智,很快悟出一个妥帖得体、合情合理的答复来,克莱德就又犯疑了——使每一个人——首先是贝尔纳普和杰夫森——全都看在眼里了.随后,他接下去说:"哦,您知道——如果说我是非走不可的话,哪怕是时间很短,当时我就想也许还得走呗.所以,我认为,也许还得赶紧把自己所有的东西都给带走."
"我明白了.你可以肯定,你之所以急急忙忙离开,并不是因为怕万一警察已发现克利福德·戈尔登或卡尔·格雷厄姆究竟是谁,是吧?"
"对,先生.不是这样."
"所以,你也没有告诉佩顿太太,说那个房间你不租了,是吧?"
"没有,先生."
"那天你在作证时说过你身边的钱还很不够,仿佛没法把奥尔登小姐带走,按照临时性结婚的计划——哪怕是婚后共同生活只有六个月也办不到,是吧?"
"是的,先生."
"你在莱柯格斯动身去旅游时,总共有多少钱?"
"大约有五十块美元."
"什么'大约有'五十块美元?你有多少钱,你不是知道得最确切吗?"
"是的,先生,我是有五十块美元."
"你在尤蒂卡、草湖,后来又去沙隆,一共花去了多少钱?"
"我想,我一路上花去了大约二十块美元."
"确切的数目你知道吗?"
"不太确切——不,先生——不过大约是二十块美元左右."
"得了,让我们看一看,能不能给他算一算细帐,"梅森继续说.这时,克莱德又一次意识到自己快要落入圈套,就越发紧张不安了——要知道他身边还有桑德拉给他的一笔钱呢,里头有一部分他早已花了."从方达到尤蒂卡,你自己的车票花了多少钱?"
"一块两角五."
"你和罗伯达在尤蒂卡住旅店房钱是多少?"
"四块美元."
"当然罗,你们当晚要吃晚饭,转天早上还得进早餐,总共要花多少钱?"
"两顿大约要花三块美元."
"你在尤蒂卡总共就花了这些吗?"梅森偶尔乜了一眼自己写上一些数字和摘记的那张纸条.但这张纸条克莱德并没有注意到.
"是的,先生."
"后来证明你是在尤蒂卡买的那顶草帽,又要多少钱?""啊,是的,先生,这我可忘了,"克莱德紧张不安地说."是两块美元——是的,先生."他觉得现在自己非得加倍小心提防不可.
"还有你去草湖的车钱,当然罗,是五块美元.不错吧."
"是的,先生."
"后来你在草湖租了一条船.这要多少钱?"
"一个钟头三角五."
"你租了几个钟头?"
"三个钟头."
"那一共就是一块零五分."
"是的,先生."
"还有那天晚上住旅店你花了多少钱?是五块钱吧?"
"是的,先生."
"你不是还买了午餐点心带到湖上去,是吧?"
"是的,先生.我想,大约花了六角钱."
"你去大比腾车费要多少?"
"坐火车到冈洛奇是一块美元,两个人坐汽车到大比腾,也是一块美元."
"我说,这些数字你记得倒是很清楚.当然你很清楚呗.既然你的钱并不是很多,那你花钱时就得算计算计.后来,你从三英里湾去沙隆,路费又要多少?"
"七角五."
"你没有把这些数字加在一起,准确地算一算吗?"
"没有,先生."
"得了,现在还不算一算吗?"
"不过,您算过没有,一共有多少?"
"是的,先生,我算过了.总共是二十四块六角五分.你说过你花了二十块美元.不过,在这里还相差四块六角五分.这你又怎么解释?"
"哦,我想,也许是我计算得还不太精确,"克莱德说.这些数字被计算得这么毫厘不爽,他很恼火.
偏偏这时梅森狡猾地轻声问:"哦,是啊,格里菲思,我给忘了.你在大比腾租的船要多少钱?"既然他为了设置这个圈套已经花去了很多时间和很大的精力,当然他是急急乎想听一听克莱德对此又是怎么说的.
"哦——啊——啊——那是,"克莱德又开始犯疑了.因为,据他现在回忆,他在大比腾甚至连租游船要多少钱也没有问,那时候他觉得不管他自己也好,还是罗伯达也好,全都不会回来了.殊不知这个问题在此时此地却以眼前这种方式头一次向他提出来了.而梅森意识到这一下子可把他难住了,就赶紧插嘴问:"喂,怎么啦?"于是,克莱德回答了他,但只不过是胡说一通罢了:"啊,是的,每个钟头三角五——跟草湖一个样——租船人是这么跟我说的."
不过,他话儿说得太快了.但他并不知道那个租船人已准备上这儿作证,说克莱德压根儿没有问过租船费多少.梅森接下去说:
"啊,是这样的,是吗?是租船人跟你说的,是吧?"
"是的,先生."
"得了,现在你记不记得你压根儿就没有问过租船人?租船费每个钟头并不是三角五,而是五角钱.不过,当然罗,这你可不会知道的.因为你是那么心急火燎要划到湖上去,反正你是不想回来付这笔钱了.所以,你就连问都没有问一声,明白了吧.你明白了吗?现在你回想起来了吧?"说到这里,梅森就出示从租船人那儿寻摸到的那张帐单,在克莱德面前来回直晃悠."是每个钟头五角钱,"他重复念叨了一遍."租价比草湖要高一些.不过,我要知道的是,既然刚才你对别的一些数字记得这么清楚,那你对这个数字怎么就记不清楚了?你有没有想过,把奥尔登小姐带到船上,从正午一直划到晚上,总共要花费多少钱吗?"这一回攻势来得如此之迅猛,使克莱德顿时慌了神.他不直接回答,老是在兜圈子,嗓子眼也痉挛了,忐忑不安地直瞅着地板,害臊得连杰夫森也都不敢看一眼.至于这个问题,不知怎的,杰夫森可没有给他彩排过呀."得了,"梅森大声吼道,"对于这个问题,你该作出怎样解释呀?在你所有的开支中,每一笔都记得住,可是唯独这一笔记不住——连你自己不是也觉得挺怪吗?"这时,全体陪审员神色再一次紧张起来,纷纷俯着身子向前.克莱德感到他们对这件事深为关注,十分好奇,而且很可能非常疑心,于是就回答说:
"说真的,我可不知道怎么会把它给忘了."
"得了,不,当然罗,你不知道,"梅森喷着鼻息说."有人想在一片荒凉的湖上杀害一个姑娘,要琢磨的事儿可多着哩,如果忘掉了里头一两件事儿,那也算不上什么奇怪呀.不过,你一到三英里湾,倒是没有忘了向汽船上票房打听去沙隆要多少船钱,是吧?"
"我可记不得自己是打听过,还是没有打听过.""好吧,他倒是记得的.他在这里对这个问题作过证了.你在草湖打听过房钱要多少.你在那里还打听过租船的价钱.你甚至打听过去大比腾的汽车票价.偏偏在大比腾就没有想到问一问租船的价钱,多遗憾!要不然,现在你就不会对这个问题感到如此狼狈不堪,是吧?"说到这里,梅森朝陪审员他们望了一眼,好象在说:你们自己全懂了吧?
"我想,仅仅是因为我没有想到罢了,"克莱德重复念叨着说.
"我说,好一个自圆其说呀,"梅森挖苦地说,接着又连忙问:"七月九日,在夜总会,进午餐花去了十三块两角钱,我想,你未必碰巧也给忘了——这是在罗伯达死后第二天的事——你记得,还是不记得?"梅森提问很富于戏剧性,追得既紧,问得又快,在他看来,几乎不给他一点时间来思考一下,或是喘一口粗气.
克莱德一听到这句话,几乎蹦了起来.这一问简直把他惊呆了,因为他并不知道他们已把进午餐一事也给调查清楚了."还有,你记不记得,"梅森接下去说,"你被捕时从你身上搜出来八十多块美元?"
"是的,现在我才回想起来了,"他回答说.
至于八十块美元一事,他早已忘掉了.不过现在,他什么都没有说,因为他想不出来该怎么说才好.
"这又该怎么说呢?"梅森恶狠狠地追问下去."要是你在莱柯格斯动身时口袋里只有五十块美元,被捕的时候却有八十多块美元,此外你又花去了二十四块六角半,再加上午餐十三块美元,那末,这些多出来的钱,是从哪儿来的?"
"哦,现在我还不能回答这个问题,"克莱德脸一沉回答说,因为他自己觉得含垢忍辱,已是走投无路.那是桑德拉给的钱,天底下不管哪种力量也都不能硬逼他交代出这笔钱的来源呀.
"这个问题你为什么不能回答?"梅森大声吼道."你知道现在你是在什么地方?你知道我们在这里都是干什么的?你愿意回答就回答,不愿意回答就不回答,这样行吗?别忘了,你是在法庭上受审判,跟你的生死问题息息相关!你可决不能随意玩弄法律,虽然你对我说了许许多多谎话.现在,你是站在这十二位陪审员面前,他们正等待着确实的回答.喂,你到底怎么啦?那些钱——你是从哪儿来的?"
"我是向一位朋友借来的."
"好吧,报一下他的名字.是个什么朋友?"
"我可不乐意."
"啊,你不乐意!嗯,你在莱柯格斯动身时身边有多少钱,可你撒了谎——这是明摆着的事.而且还是在起过誓以后.这你可别忘了!那神圣的誓言,你是很尊重的.难道说不是真的吗?"
"不,不是真的,"这一逼一问,让他头脑清醒过来,克莱德终于开口说了."我到第十二号湖以后才借了这笔钱."
"是向谁借来的?"
"这我可不能说."
"因此,你这句话也就一文不值了,"梅森反驳说.
打这以后,克莱德就开始一蹶不振.他说话时声音也低沉了.每次梅森命令他大声说话,要他脑袋转过去,好让陪审团能看清楚他的脸儿,他也都照办了,只不过心里对这个拚命要把他所有的秘密一一都揭出来的人越发深恶痛绝.他发言时触及到桑德拉,可桑德拉至今还是他的心上人,凡是有关她的事,他决不泄露出去.所以,这时他就颇有一点挑战的气势,两眼直瞪着陪审员他们.就在这时,梅森从桌子上捡起了好几张照片.
"这些你还记得吗?"他一面问克莱德,一面把带着水迹、模糊不清的照片给他看——其中既有罗伯达的,也有克莱德和别人的——一张也见不到有桑德拉的脸儿——的照片,这些照片是克莱德头一次到克兰斯顿家作客时拍摄的.此外还有四张照片,是后来在熊湖拍摄的,里头有一张,他手里操着班卓琴,手指还在拨弄着琴弦."记不记得这些照片是在哪儿拍的?"梅森一面问,一面先出示罗伯达的照片给他看.
"是的,我记得."
"是在哪儿?"
"那天我们在大比腾湖南岸的时候."他知道照相机里是有这几张照片,还告诉过贝尔纳普和杰夫森,可是一想到现在他们竟然能洗印出来,他不由得大吃一惊.
"格里菲思,"梅森接下去说,"你的辩护律师——他们在不得知这架照相机早已掌握在我手里以前,为了这架照相机你发过誓、说自己根本没有的照相机,曾经打发人去大比腾湖,拚命捞呀捞的,想把它打捞上来——这件事他们没有告诉过你吗?"
"这件事他们从来没有跟我说起过,"克莱德回答说."唉,这可太遗憾了.本来我可以让他们省掉许多麻烦哩.你瞧,这些照片是在这架照相机里头发现的,就在你回心转意以后照的,你记得吗?"
"我记得是在什么时候照的,"克莱德忧郁地回答说.
"你瞧,这些照片是你们俩最后一次上船前照的——是在你准备把你要对她说的那些话最后告诉她以前照的——是她在那里被害以前照的——据你作证时说,正当她伤心透了的时候照的."
"不,在临终前夕她才伤心透了,"克莱德不以为然地说."哦,我明白了.得了,这些照片,跟你所说的她忧郁沮丧的神情相比,反正好象要高兴些."
"不过,要知道她压根儿没有象临终前夕那么忧郁沮丧,"克莱德马上脱口而出说.因为这是真实的情况,他还记得清楚.
"我明白了.不过,不管怎么说,先看看另外一些照片吧.
比方说,这三张是在哪儿拍摄的?"
"我想,是在第十二号湖克兰斯顿家别墅拍摄的."
"不错.是在六月十八日或十九日,是吧?"
"我想,是在十九日."
"那末,现在,你记不记得罗伯达十九日给你写的一封信?"
"记不得了,先生."
"这些信里头任何一封你都不记得了吗?"
"不记得了,先生."
"可是,正如你自己所说的,这封信字里行间都伤心透了."
"是的,先生——是伤心透了."
"那末,这封信就是在拍这些照片的时候写的,"梅森转过身去向陪审团说.
"我希望陪审团看看这些照片,再听听奥尔登小姐在同一天写给被告的这封信里头的一段话.他承认过他拒绝给她写信或是给她打电话,尽管他替她感到很难过."他掉过头去对陪审团说.说到这里,他打开一封信,念了罗伯达苦苦恳求的一长段话."你瞧,这里还有四张照片,格里菲思."他交给克莱德四张在熊湖拍的照片."乐开了花,依你看,是不是?不太象经历了怀疑、忧虑和恶行这个非常可怕的时期以后刚好回心转意的人,也不太象这么一种人——他刚见到被他极其残酷地虐待过的女人,正想要认错改正,不料这个女人却突然溺水身亡了.从这些照片来看,好象你在世界上是一个无忧无虑的人,是吧?"
"不过,这些都是集体照.我可不好意思不参加呗."
"但是,这一张拍的是你在湖上.在罗伯达·奥尔登沉到大比腾湖底两三天以后,你到湖上去,难道说一点儿都不难过吗?特别是在你跟她的关系上有了令人鼓舞的回心转意的时候?"
"我不希望有谁知道不久前我跟她一块到过湖上的.""这一切我们全都知道.不过,班卓琴的这张,又该怎么解释呢.你瞧!"梅森把这张照片递给他看."乐极了,是不是?"
他咆哮着说.这时,克莱德又犯疑,又害怕,回答道:
"可是,不管怎么说,那时候我自己可并不开心哩!"
"难道说在湖上弹班卓琴的时候,你还不开心?她死了以后才第二天,你跟朋友们一块玩高尔夫球、打网球的时候,你还不开心?在你花了十三块美元吃吃喝喝的时候,你还不开心?当你跟某某小姐重逢聚首在一起,据你自己作证时所说,正是在你最最喜爱的地方,难道说那时候你还不开心?"这时,梅森没有说话,只是在咆哮,怒斥,凶狠而又刻薄地挖苦他.
"不管怎么说,反正那时候不开心——不开心,先生.""你说'那时候',是什么意思?难道说你不是已到了你最最向往的地方了吗?"
"哦,在某种意义上来说,是的——当然是的,"克莱德回答说,这时他想桑德拉读到这些话——毫无疑问,她一定会读到的——以后会怎么想.这一切经过,各报刊上差不多每天都登出来.他无法否认他是跟她在一起,而且很希望跟她在一起.但就是在这个时候,他心里也并不快乐.卷入这个可耻而残忍的阴谋,他该有多么倒霉!不过,现在,他好歹也得解释一下,让桑德拉读到这些报道时能理解他;而且还要这个陪审团也理解他.于是,他清了一清干涸了的嗓子,又让干枯了的舌头舔了一下嘴唇,找补着说:"可是,不管怎么说,我还是替奥尔登小姐感到挺难过的.那时候,我是不可能开心的——就是不可能.那时候,我正想方设法让人们认为她去那里旅游跟我没有什么关系——这就完了.我不知道除此以外还有什么更好的办法.我可不愿意自己因为我没有做过的事而被人抓了起来."
"难道说你不知道你这是在说假话!你不知道你是在撒谎!"梅森大声说,仿佛在呼吁全世界的人都来作证似的;而他的那种怒火中烧、极端蔑视的不信任感,足以使陪审团和列席听众全都相信:克莱德是一个大骗子."那末,熊湖年轻的厨师鲁弗斯·马丁的证词,你也听到过了,是吧?"
"听到过了,先生."
"你听见他起誓说,他看见你跟某某小姐在熊湖一个隐僻的角落里,把她搂在你的怀里,一个劲儿亲她、吻她.这是真的吧?"
"是的,先生."
"而这正好是你把罗伯达·奥尔登扔在大比腾湖底以后的第四天.那时候,你害怕被人抓起来,是吧?"
"是的,先生."
"哪怕是在你把她搂在自己怀里,一个劲儿亲她、吻她的时候?"
"是的,先生,"克莱德灰不溜丢、无可奈何地回答说."得了,偏偏有这等事!"梅森大声号叫着."你要不是自己亲耳听见,能相信这些话就是在陪审团面前抽抽噎噎地说出来的吗?亏你真的坐在这里,向陪审团起誓说得出来,你一面跟你怀里那个上当受骗的姑娘亲吻抚摸,喁喁情话,另一位姑娘已葬身在一百英里外的湖底,可你却为你自己过去所作所为而感到痛苦难过?"
"不管怎么说,反正事实是这样,"克莱德回答说.
"真是妙哉妙哉!无与伦比!"梅森大声吼道.
说到这里,他困倦地喘了一口气,又把他那雪白大手绢掏出来,向整个法庭大厅扫视了一遍,才开始擦脸上的汗水,好象在说:嘿,任务真够棘手呀.稍后,他比刚才更加强劲有力地继续说道:
"格里菲思,昨天你在证人席上刚发过誓,说你离开莱柯格斯时个人并没有打算要去大比腾的."
"不,先生,我并没有这样的打算."
"不过,你们俩到了尤蒂卡伦弗罗旅馆那个房间以后,你看见她的那副疲倦不堪的样子,是你提议在你们两人的钱包许可的范围以内,来一次——小规模的旅游——可能对她会有好处的.是不是这样?"
"是的,先生.就是这样的,"克莱德回答说.
"可是在那个时刻之前,你脑子里甚至连艾迪隆达克斯山脉湖区也都没有想到过."
"哦,没有,先生——就是说没有想到过某某一个湖.我心里的确想过我们不妨到某一个避暑胜地去——那儿四周围有许多湖泊——不过并没有想到特定的某某湖."
"我明白了.你提议以后,正是她说过你最好去寻摸几份旅游指南或是地图,是这样吧?"
"是的,先生."
"然后是你下楼去寻摸到了几份?"
"是的,先生."
"是在尤蒂卡伦弗罗旅馆里?"
"是的,先生."
"不会碰巧是在别的什么地方吧?"
"不会的,先生."
"后来,看了这些地图,你们俩看到草湖和大比腾,就决定上那儿了.是不是这样?"
"是的,我们就是这样决定的,"克莱德撒谎说.这时,他紧张极了,真巴不得当时没有作过证,说这些旅游指南是在伦弗罗旅馆寻摸到的.也许这里又设下了什么圈套吧?
"你和奥尔登小姐?"
"是的,先生."
"你们选定了草湖,觉得那里最好,因为价钱最便宜.是这样吧?"
"是的,先生.是这样."
"我明白了.现在,这些你还记不记得?"他找补着说,一面伸手过去,从他桌子上拿来一些旅游指南(这些东西都经过查证,被确认为克莱德被捕时就是放在熊湖他的那只手提箱里的).现在,梅森把这些旅游指南放到了克莱德手里."好好看看清楚.这些是不是我在你熊湖的手提箱里找到的旅游指南?"
"哦,看起来好象正是我在那里的旅游指南."
"这些就是你在伦弗罗旅馆报架上寻摸到以后上楼拿给奥尔登小姐看的指南吗?"
梅森对这些旅游指南一事,了解得如此详详细细,使克莱德确实受惊不小.这时,他就打开来,翻阅起来.因为盖有莱柯格斯旅馆的印章("纽约州、莱柯格斯市、莱柯格斯旅馆赠")是红色的,跟旅游指南上红色印刷字非常相象,因此,即便是到了此刻,他也还没有注意到.他来回翻了一遍,认定这里并没有什么圈套,就回答说:"是的,我想正是这些.""那末,"梅森狡猾地继续说."这些旅游指南里头,你究竟是在哪一份上看到了草湖旅社的广告和他们的客房价目表?是不是在这一份上?"说到这里,梅森把盖有莱柯格斯旅馆印章的那一份又还给了克莱德.其中有一页——梅森用左手的食指指着它——正是克莱德关照罗伯达要看的那个广告.中间还有一幅地图,标出了印第安钱恩河,此外还有第十二号湖、大比腾、草湖,以及其他很多地方.在这幅地图底下,清清楚楚地标明有一条路,从草湖、冈洛奇往南行,经过大比腾湖的南端,直达三英里湾.暌隔如此之久以后,现在克莱德又看到这幅地图,就突然断定:梅森竭力想要证明的,一定认为他事前早知道有这条路的.于是,他不免有些抖抖索索,有些毛骨悚然,回答说:"是的,也许是这一份.看起来好象是的.我想,也许是的."
"你要说清楚,是,还是不是?"梅森脸一沉,厉声问他:"你先念念这段说明,能不能明确说是这份旅游指南,还是不是?""嗯,看起来好象是的,"他仔细看了一下最早促使他选定草湖的那个广告之后,躲躲闪闪地回答说."我想,也许就是这一份."
"什么你想呀!你想呀!现在一接触到具体问题,你就特别小心戒备.得了,你再看看那幅地图,告诉我,你看到些什么.告诉我,你是不是看见上面标明有一条路,是从草湖往南去的那条路?"
"是的,"过了半晌,克莱德有点儿忧郁而又悻悻然地回答说.反正此人已经铁了心,硬要把他赶入坟墓,此刻正在剥他的皮,让他身上青一块、紫一块的.克莱德用手指头摁在地图上,佯装好象是依照此人指示在看,其实,他看到的不外乎是他在莱柯格斯,亦即在他动身去方达跟罗伯达碰头以前不久,早就看到过的那些东西.而在此时此地,这些东西却被用来对付他了.
"请你说一说,这条路是通到哪里去的?劳驾给陪审团说说,这条路是通到哪里去的——从哪里到哪里?"
克莱德心里又是惊慌,又是害怕,体力上也顶不住了,就回答说:"哦,这条路是从草湖通到三英里湾的.""中间经过哪些地方?或者附近还有哪些地方?"伫立在他肩头后面望着地图的梅森接下去说.
"只有冈洛奇."
"那末大比腾呢?这条路往南去,是不是靠近大比腾了?"
"是的,先生,是这样."
"你从尤蒂卡动身前往草湖以前,是否注意过,或者琢磨过这张地图?"梅森紧逼着问他.
"没有,先生——我可没有."
"从来也不知道那边有条路吗?"
"哦,也许我看见过有这么一条路,"克莱德回答说."但即便是看见过,我也没有那么特别注意呗."
"当然,你在尤蒂卡动身以前,决不可能有机会看见过,或是琢磨过这张地图和那条路,是吧?"
"没有,先生.在这以前,我从来没有看见过."
"我明白了.这一点你能绝对肯定,是吧?"
"是的,先生.我能绝对肯定."
"得了,那末,就在你非常看重的庄严宣誓之下,要是可能的话,给我或是给陪审团解释一下,这份旅游指南是怎么搞的,会印上'纽约州·莱柯格斯市、莱柯格斯旅馆赠'的字样."说到这里,梅森把旅游指南折过来,指给克莱德看那背面一页上,盖在那些红色印刷字体中间那个淡淡的红色印章.克莱德一见到它,就两眼直瞪着,好象是一个精神恍惚的人似的.他原本苍白得出奇的脸,此刻又发灰了,纤长的手指痉挛地时而伸开、时而攥紧,又红又肿的、疲倦不堪的眼皮直眨巴着,想要顶住眼前这一该死的事实给他的压力.
"我不知道,"过了一会儿,他有气无力地说."想必它一定是在伦弗罗旅馆报架上的."
"啊,想必一定是?要是我叫两个见证人来这里发誓作证,说在七月三日——在你从莱柯格斯动身去方达前三天——他们看见你走进莱柯格斯旅馆,从那里报架上取了四五份旅游指南,那末,你怎么还会说是七月六日那天,'想必它一定是在伦弗罗旅馆报架上的'呢?"说罢,梅森沉吟不语,得意扬扬地朝四下里望了一眼,仿佛在说:得了,你要是有辙,就回答吧!克莱德瑟瑟发抖,好象僵死了似的,一时间连气都喘不过来.至少等了十五秒钟,才使自己神志恢复过来,清了一清嗓子眼,回答说:"是的,想必它一定是这样的.我不是在莱柯格斯找来的."
"那敢情好啊,不过,我们还是要让这里的列位先士看看这个吧,"说完,梅森就把这份旅游指南送给了首席陪审员,首席陪审员接着交给了身旁另一位陪审员,如此这般依次递过去传阅.这时候只听见整个法庭大厅里人们窃窃私语声和嗡嗡声.
这份旅游指南陪审员他们都看过之后——原来听众指望还会有更多的、几乎是没完没了的攻势和揭发,可现在让他们大吃一惊的是——梅森猝然一转过身来,仅仅说:"我的发言,完了."法庭大厅里很多听众马上开始窃窃私语:"缉拿归案了!缉拿归案了!"奥伯沃泽法官也当即宣布说,时间太晚了,由于还要讯问被告一方的另外一些证人,加上原告方面也有几个证人要进行反驳,他建议今天的庭审就到此结束.贝尔纳普和杰夫森对此全都欣然同意,而克莱德呢——法庭大厅里各道门都上了锁,严加防备——要等到他从法庭押回牢房以后方才启锁敞开——这时正由克劳特和西塞尔押送,从这些天来他总要张望着、琢磨着的那道大门和那一级一级台阶往下走去.克莱德刚被押走,贝尔纳普和杰夫森只是面面相觑,一气不吭.等他们一回到自己的事务所,严严实实地给大门上了锁,这时贝尔纳普才开了腔说:"……派头他还摆得不够帅.我们的辩护说得上是最最得力的了,可是他的胆量不够.一句话,他就是没有能耐."杰夫森猛地倒在椅子里,身上仍穿着大衣,戴着帽子,说:"不,毫无疑问,这才是真正的麻烦.想必一定是他真的把她杀害了.不过,我看,这条破船我们可不能就此扔下不管了,反正他的表现比我开头预料的要出色得多了."贝尔纳普找补着说:"唉,见鬼去吧,在总结发言的时候,还得来个最后拚搏,就算我已是尽心尽力了."杰夫森有点儿疲倦地回答说:"那敢情好,阿尔文,我很抱歉,现在多半就得看你的了.不过,我看我还得去牢房,尽量给他鼓鼓气.赶明儿他要是委靡不振,象是瘸腿断胳臂似的,那可要不得.他务必正襟危坐在那里,让陪审团感到,不管他们是怎么想的,他本人并不认为自己犯了罪."他站了起来,两手插在他长大衣口袋里,就冒着冬天的寒气,走过灰不溜丢的街市,摸黑去看克莱德了.
回复 引用 新鲜事
顶端
司凌。

ZxID：9742737

2429874鲜花 36鸡蛋

等级: 派派版主
配偶: 此微夜
原名：独爱穿越。
举报 只看该作者 95楼  发表于: 2013-10-25 0

Part 3 Chapter 26
The remainder of the trial consisted of the testimony of eleven witnesses--four for Mason and seven for Clyde.
　　One of the latter--a Dr. A. K. Sword, of Rehobeth--chancing to be at Big Bittern on the day that Roberta's bodywas returned to the boat-house, now declared that he had seen and examined it there and that the wounds, as theyappeared then, did not seem to him as other than such as might have been delivered by such a blow as Clydeadmitted to having struck accidentally, and that unquestionably Miss Alden had been drowned while conscious-andnot unconscious, as the state would have the jury believe--a result which led Mason into an inquiryconcerning the gentleman's medical history, which, alas, was not as impressive as it might have been. He hadbeen graduated from a second-rate medical school in Oklahoma and had practised in a small town ever since. Inaddition to him--and entirely apart from the crime with which Clyde was charged--there was Samuel Yearsley,one of the farmers from around Gun Lodge, who, driving over the road which Roberta's body had traveled inbeing removed from Big Bittern to Gun Lodge, now earnestly swore that the road, as he had noticed in drivingover it that same morning, was quite rough--making it possible for Belknap, who was examining him, to indicatethat this was at least anapproximate cause of the extra-severity of the wounds upon Roberta's head and face.
　　This bit of testimony was later contradicted, however, by a rival witness for Mason--the driver for Lutz Brothers,no less, who as earnestly swore that he found no ruts or rough places whatsoever in the road. And again therewere Liggett and Whiggam to say that in so far as they had been able to note or determine, Clyde's conduct inconnection with his technical efforts for Griffiths & Company had been attentive, faithful and valuable. They hadseen no official harm in him. And then several other minor witnesses to say that in so far as they had been able toobserve his social comings and goings, Clyde's conduct was most circumspect, ceremonious and guarded. Hehad done no ill that they knew of. But, alas, as Mason in cross-examining them was quick to point out, they hadnever heard of Roberta Alden or her trouble or even of Clyde's social relationship with her.
　　Finally many small and dangerous and difficult points having been bridged or buttressed or fended against aswell as each side could, it became Belknap's duty to say his last word for Clyde. And to this he gave an entireday, most carefully, and in the spirit of his opening address, retracing and emphasizing every point which tendedto show how almost unconsciously, if not quite innocently, Clyde had fallen into the relationship with Robertawhich had ended so disastrously for both. Mental and moral cowardice, as he now reiterated, inflamed or at leastoperated on by various lacks in Clyde's early life, plus new opportunities such as previously had never appearedto be within his grasp, had affected his "perhaps too pliable and sensual and impractical and dreamy mind." Nodoubt he had not been fair to Miss Alden. No question as to that. He had not. But on the other hand--and as hadbeen most clearly shown by the confession which the defense had elicited--he had not proved ultimately so cruelor vile as the prosecution would have the public and this honorable jury believe. Many men were far more cruelin their love life than this young boy had ever dreamed of being, and of course they were not necessarily hungfor that. And in passing technically on whether this boy had actually committed the crime charged, it wasincumbent upon this jury to see that no generous impulse relating to what this poor girl might have suffered inher love-relations with this youth be permitted to sway them to the belief or decision that for that this youth had committed the crime specifically stated in the indictment. Who among both sexes were not cruel at times in theirlove life, the one to the other?
　　And then a long and detailed indictment of the purely circumstantial nature of the evidence--no single personhaving seen or heard anything of the alleged crime itself, whereas Clyde himself had explained most clearly howhe came to find himself in the peculiar situation in which he did find himself. And after that, a brushing aside ofthe incident of the folder, as well as Clyde's not remembering the price of the boat at Big Bittern, his stopping tobury the tripod and his being so near Roberta and not aiding her, as either being mere accidents of chance, ormemory, or, in the case of his failing to go to her rescue, of his being dazed, confused, frightened--"hesitatingfatally but not criminally at the one time in his life when he should not have hesitated"--a really strong ifjesuitical plea which was not without its merits and its weight.
　　And then Mason, blazing with his conviction that Clyde was a murderer of the coldest and blackest type, andspending an entire day in riddling the "spider's tissue of lies and unsupported statements" with which the defensewas hoping to divert the minds of the jury from the unbroken and unbreakable chain of amply substantiatedevidence wherewith the prosecution had proved this "bearded man" to be the "red-handed murderer" that he was.
　　And with hours spent in retracing the statements of the various witnesses. And other hours in denouncing Clyde,or re-telling the bitter miseries of Roberta--so much so that the jury, as well as the audience, was once more onthe verge of tears. And with Clyde deciding in his own mind as he sat between Belknap and Jephson, that no jurysuch as this was likely to acquit him in the face of evidence so artfully and movingly recapitulated.
　　And then Oberwaltzer from his high seat finally instructing the jury: "Gentlemen--all evidence is, in a strictsense, more or less circumstantial, whether consisting of facts which permit the inference of guilt or whethergiven by an eyewitness. The testimony of an eyewitness is, of course, based upon circumstances.
　　"If any of the material facts of the case are at variance with the probability of guilt, it will be the duty of yougentlemen to give the defendant the benefit of the doubt raised.
　　"And it must be remembered that evidence is not to be discredited or decried because it is circumstantial. It mayoften be more reliable evidence than direct evidence.
　　"Much has been said here concerning motive and its importance in this case, but you are to remember that proofof motive is by no means indispensable or essential to conviction. While a motive may be shown as aCIRCUMSTANCE to aid in FIXING a crime, yet the people are not required to prove a motive.
　　"If the jury finds that Roberta Alden accidentally or involuntarily fell out of the boat and that the defendant madeno attempt to rescue her, that does not make the defendant guilty and the jury must find the defendant 'not guilty.'
　　On the other hand, if the jury finds that the defendant in any way, intentionally, there and then brought about orcontributed to that fatal accident, either by a blow or otherwise, it must find the defendant guilty.
　　"While I do not say that you must agree upon your verdict, I would suggest that you ought not, any of you, placeyour minds in a position which will not yield if after careful deliberation you find you are wrong."So, Justice Oberwaltzer--solemnly and didactically from his high seat to the jury.
　　And then, that point having been reached, the jury rising and filing from the room at five in the afternoon. AndClyde immediately thereafter being removed to his cell before the audience proper was allowed to leave thebuilding. There was constant fear on the part of the sheriff that he might be attacked. And after that five longhours in which he waited, walking to and fro, to and fro, in his cell, or pretending to read or rest, the while Krautor Sissel, tipped by various representatives of the press for information as to how Clyde "took it" at this time,slyly and silently remained as near as possible to watch.
　　And in the meantime Justice Oberwaltzer and Mason and Belknap and Jephson, with their attendants and friends,in various rooms of the Bridgeburg Central Hotel, dining and then waiting impatiently, with the aid of a fewdrinks, for the jury to agree, and wishing and hoping that the verdict would be reached soon, whatever it mightbe.
　　And in the meantime the twelve men--farmers, clerks and storekeepers, re-canvassing for their own mentalsatisfaction the fine points made by Mason and Belknap and Jephson. Yet out of the whole twelve but one man-SamuelUpham, a druggist--(politically opposed to Mason and taken with the personality of Jephson)-sympathizingwith Belknap and Jephson. And so pretending that he had doubts as to the completeness ofMason's proof until at last after five ballots were taken he was threatened with exposure and the public rage andobloquy which was sure to follow in case the jury was hung. "We'll fix you. You won't get by with this withoutthe public knowing exactly where you stand." Whereupon, having a satisfactory drug business in NorthMansfield, he at once decided that it was best to pocket this opposition to Mason and agree.
　　Then four hollow knocks on the door leading from the jury room to the courtroom. It was the foreman of thejury, Foster Lund, a dealer in cement, lime and stone. His great fist was knocking. And at that the hundreds whohad crowded into the hot stuffy courtroom after dinner though many had not even left--stirred from the halfstupor into which they had fallen. "What's that? What's happened? Is the jury ready to report? What's theverdict?" And men and women and children starting up to draw nearer the excluding rail. And the two deputieson guard before the jury door beginning to call. "All right! All right! As soon as the judge comes." And thenother deputies hurrying to the prison over the way in order that the sheriff might be notified and Clyde broughtover--and to the Bridgeburg Central Hotel to summon Oberwaltzer and all the others. And then Clyde, in a halfstupor or daze from sheer loneliness and killing suspense, being manacled to Kraut and led over between Slack,Sissel and others. And Oberwaltzer, Mason, Belknap and Jephson and the entire company of newspaper writers,artists, photographers and others entering and taking the places that they had occupied all these long weeks. AndClyde winking and blinking as he was seated behind Belknap and Jephson now--not with them, for as stoutlymanacled as he was to Kraut, he was compelled to sit by him. And then Oberwaltzer on the bench and the clerkin his place, the jury room door being opened and the twelve men filing solemnly in--quaint and varied figures inangular and for the most part much-worn suits of the ready-made variety. And as they did so, seating themselvesin the jury box, only to rise again at the command of the clerk, who began: "Gentlemen of the jury, have youagreed on a verdict?"--yet without one of them glancing in the direction of either Belknap or Jephson or Clyde,which Belknap at once interpreted as fatal.
　　"It's all off," he whispered to Jephson. "Against us. I can tell." And then Lund announcing: "We have. We findthe defendant guilty of murder in the first degree." And Clyde, entirely dazed and yet trying to keep his poise andremain serene, gazing straight before him toward the jury and beyond, and with scarcely a blink of the eye. For had he not, in his cell the night before, been told by Jephson, who had found him deeply depressed, that theverdict in this trial, assuming that it proved to be unfavorable, was of no consequence. The trial from start tofinish had been unfair. Prejudice and bias had governed its every step. Such bullying and browbeating andinnuendo as Mason had indulged in before the jury would never pass as fair or adequate in any higher court. Anda new trial--on appeal--would certainly be granted--although by whom such an appeal was to be conducted hewas not now prepared to discuss.
　　And now, recalling that, Clyde saying to himself that it did not so much matter perhaps, after all. It could not,really--or could it? Yet think what these words meant in case he could not get a new trial! Death! That is what itwould mean if this were final--and perhaps it was final. And then to sit in that chair he had seen in his mind's eyefor so long--these many days and nights when he could not force his mind to drive it away. Here it was againbefore him--that dreadful, ghastly chair--only closer and larger than ever before--there in the very center of thespace between himself and Justice Oberwaltzer. He could see it plainly now--squarish, heavy-armed, heavy-backed, some straps at the top and sides. God! Supposing no one would help him now! Even the Griffiths mightnot be willing to pay out any more money! Think of that! The Court of Appeals to which Jephson and Belknaphad referred might not be willing to help him either. And then these words would be final. They would! Theywould! God! His jaws moved slightly, then set--because at the moment he became conscious that they weremoving. Besides, at that moment Belknap was rising and asking for an individual poll of the jury, while Jephsonleaned over and whispered: "Don't worry about it. It isn't final. We'll get a reversal as sure as anything." Yet aseach of the jurors was saying: "Yes"--Clyde was listening to them, not to Jephson. Why should each one say thatwith so much emphasis? Was there not one who felt that he might not have done as Mason had said--struck herintentionally? Was there not one who even half-believed in that change of heart which Belknap and Jephson hadinsisted that he had experienced? He looked at them all--little and big. They were like a blackish-brown group ofwooden toys with creamish-brown or old ivory faces and hands. Then he thought of his mother. She would hearof this now, for here were all these newspaper writers and artists and photographers assembled to hear this. Andwhat would the Griffiths--his uncle and Gilbert--think now? And Sondra! Sondra! Not a word from her. Andthrough all this he had been openly testifying, as Belknap and Jcphson had agreed that he must do--to thecompelling and directing power of his passion for her--the real reason for all this! But not a word. And shewould not send him any word now, of course--she who had been going to marry him and give him everything!
　　But in the meantime the crowd about him silent although--or perhaps because--intensely satisfied. The little devilhadn't "gotten by." He hadn't fooled the twelve sane men of this county with all that bunk about a change ofheart. What rot! While Jephson sat and stared, and Belknap, his strong face written all over with contempt anddefiance, making his motions. And Mason and Burleigh and Newcomb and Redmond thinly repressing theirintense satisfaction behind masks preternaturally severe, the while Belknap continued with a request that thesentence be put off until the following Friday--a week hence, when he could more conveniently attend, but withJustice Oberwaltzer replying that he thought not--unless some good reason could be shown. But on the morrow,if counsel desired, he would listen to an argument. If it were satisfactory he would delay sentence--otherwise,pronounce it the following Monday.
　　Yet, even so, Clyde was not concerned with this argument at the moment. He was thinking of his mother andwhat she would think--feel. He had been writing her so regularly, insisting always that he was innocent and thatshe must not believe all, or even a part, of what she read an the newspapers. He was going to be acquitted sure.
　　He was going to go on the stand and testify for himself. But now . . . now . . . oh, he needed her now--so much.
　　Quite every one, as it seemed now, had forsaken him. He was terribly, terribly alone. And he must send her someword quickly. He must. He must. And then asking Jephson for a piece of paper and a pencil, he wrote: "Mrs. AsaGriffiths, care of Star of Hope Mission, Denver, Colorado. Dear mother--I am convicted--Clyde." And thenhanding that to Jephson, he asked him, nervously and weakly, if he would see that it was sent right away. "Rightaway, son, sure," replied Jephson, touched by his looks, and waving to a press boy who was near gave it to himtogether with the money.
　　And then, while this was going on, all the public exits being locked until Clyde, accompanied by Sissel andKraut, had been ushered through the familiar side entrance through which he had hoped to escape. And while allthe press and the public and the still-remaining jury gazing, for even yet they had not seen enough of Clyde butmust stare into his face to see how he was taking it. And because of the local feeling against him, JusticeOberwaltzer, at Slack's request, holding court un-adjourned until word was brought that Clyde was once morelocked in his cell, whereupon the doors were re-opened. And then the crowd surging out but only to wait at thecourtroom door in order to glimpse, as he passed out, Mason, who now, of all the figures in this case, was thetrue hero--the nemesis of Clyde--the avenger of Roberta. That he not appearing at first but instead Jephson andBelknap together, and not so much depressed as solemn, defiant--Jephson in particular, looking unconquerablycontemptuous. Then some one calling: "Well, you didn't get him off just the same," and Jephson replying, with ashrug of his shoulders, "Not yet, but this county isn't all of the law either." Then Mason, immediately afterward-aheavy, baggy overcoat thrown over his shoulder, his worn soft hat pulled low over his eyes--and followed byBurleigh, Heit, Newcomb and others as a royal train--while he walked in the manner of one entirely oblivious ofthe meaning or compliment of this waiting throng. For was he not now a victor and an elected judge! And asinstantly being set upon by a circling, huzzahing mass--the while a score of those nearest sought to seize him bythe hand or place a grateful pat upon his arm or shoulder. "Hurrah for Orville!" "Good for you, Judge!" (his newor fast-approaching title). "By God! Orville Mason, you deserve the thanks of this county!" "Hy-oh! Heigh!
　　Heigh!" "Three cheers for Orville Mason!" And with that the crowd bursting into three resounding huzzahs-whichClyde in his cell could clearly hear and at the same time sense the meaning of.
　　They were cheering Mason for convicting him. In that large crowd out there there was not one who did notbelieve him totally and completely guilty. Roberta--her letters--her determination to make him marry her--hergiant fear of exposure--had dragged him down to this. To conviction. To death, maybe. Away from all he hadlonged for--away from all he had dreamed he might possess. And Sondra! Sondra! Not a word! Not a word! Andso now, fearing that Kraut or Sissel or some one might be watching (ready to report even now his every gesture),and not willing to show after all how totally collapsed and despondent he really was, he sat down and taking up amagazine pretended to read, the while he looked far, far beyond it to other scenes--his mother--his brother andsisters--the Griffiths--all he had known. But finding these unsubstantiated mind visions a little too much, hefinally got up and throwing off his clothes climbed into his iron cot.
　　"Convicted! Convicted!" And that meant that he must die! God! But how blessed to be able to conceal his faceupon a pillow and not let any one see--however accurately they might guess!
第二十六章
上次庭审尚未做完的事,就是由十一位见证人作证——其中四人为梅森一方作证,七人为克莱德一方作证.七人里头有一位是来自里霍贝思的索德医生,罗伯达的尸体被抬进船坞那天,他碰巧正在大比腾.现在他声称,他在那里察看过,而且检验过罗伯达的尸体.据他当时判断,她脸部这些伤痕,也许就象克莱德供认的,是在无意之中一砸所造成的.他又说,奥尔登小姐落水时,毫无疑问,还有知觉——并不是象公诉人要陪审团相信那样,早已失去了知觉——听了上述结论,梅森就盘问这位先生行医的经历,可惜得很,压根儿不过硬.他在俄克拉何马州一所二流的医科学校毕业后,就一直在一个小镇上开业行医.挨在这医生后面——跟克莱德被告发的罪状根本毫不相干——有一个住在冈洛奇附近、名叫塞缪尔·耶尔斯利的农民作证,说罗伯达的尸体从大比腾运往冈洛奇的那天,他恰好也走过这条路.现在,他煞有介事地发誓作证,说他在同一天早上走过的时候,看到这条路上都是坑坑洼洼——于是,盘问他的贝尔纳普就有理由指出,这至少就是造成罗伯达头部、脸部的伤势特别严重的原因.可是这一条证词,后来却被梅森一方的见证人——替卢兹兄弟殡仪馆开车的那个司机驳倒了.此人也同样煞有介事地起誓作证,说他并没有发现这条路上有什么车辙或是坑坑洼洼.除此以外,还有利格特和惠甘作证说,就他们所觉察到或是能断定的来说,克莱德在格里菲思公司任职期间表现,一向忠于职守,确实难能可贵.他们没有发现他在业务上有过什么闪失.接下来有好几个无关紧要的见证人说,就他们所看到的,克莱德在上流社会的表现,可以说是非常审慎、规矩,而又小心.他们知道他并没有做过什么坏事.可是,天哪,梅森在反复讯问他们时,当即指出,他们从来没有听说过罗伯达·奥尔登其人其事,乃至于她的惨亡,连克莱德跟她有来往,他们也都一概不知道.
许许多多虽属细微末节,但跟生死攸关的难点,经过双方尽心尽力,最后或是通过去了,或是得到了支持,或是干脆给推翻了,这时总算轮到贝尔纳普替克莱德进行最后的辩护了.他申辩了整整一天,按照他头一次出庭辩论的调子,非常小心地把每一点都重述了一遍,强调指出,克莱德怎样天真无邪地、几乎不自觉地跟罗伯达结识交往,最后两人却落得如此可悲的下场.现在,贝尔纳普再一次重申说,正是克莱德自幼起家境贫寒,激发了、至少也是影响了他思想上、道德上的懦怯.加上后来有了一些新的机遇,正是他过去从来梦想不到的,这才影响了他那"也许是太柔顺、太好色、太不实际和太爱幻想的心灵".他对待奥尔登小姐,毫无疑问,不是正大光明的.这是毋庸置疑的.他确实不是光明正大的.不过,从另一方面——正如被告的辩护律师诱导出来的供词彰明昭著地说明——到了最后关头,他并没有象公诉人希望公众和可敬的陪审团所相信的那么残忍,或是那么邪恶.天底下就有许许多多男人,他们在恋爱生活中所表现的残忍,远远不是这个几乎稚气未脱的孩子所能梦想到的.当然罗,他们也并不见得因此都被绞死.从法律观点来看,这个孩子是否确实犯了已被控告的罪行,陪审团列位先生必须特别清醒地看到:公众对这个可怜的姑娘由于跟这个年轻人谈恋爱而惨遭丧生一事极为愤慨,可是决不能逼使陪审团确信或是认定,好象这个年轻人就犯了起诉书上明确提出的罪行.在两性之间恋爱生活里,类似这一方对另一方残忍的这种事情,有时候不是常常见到吗?
接下来是贝尔纳普通过一段冗长、详细的分析,说明本案证据性质纯属间接证据——这一项断然被宣称的罪状所列举的,哪一件事都不是某某一个人亲自看见过或听见过的,只有克莱德本人能把他当时所处的异乎寻常的情况解释得极其清清楚楚.至于旅游指南一事,克莱德记不得大比腾租船费的问题,又把三脚架藏匿起来,以及距离罗伯达这么近,但没有去搭救她等等问题,贝尔纳普都是一概置之不理,或者用他的话来说,仅仅是碰巧小事一桩,或者干脆说是记不起来了.至于克莱德没有去搭救罗伯达一事,贝尔纳普就说当时克莱德自己头晕目眩,心慌意乱,吓懵了——"正好在他一生中断断乎不该迟疑的时候,他致命地迟疑了一下,但并不能说因此就犯了罪,"——这确实是一个强有力的、哪怕是阴险狡猾的呼吁,但是这种呼吁也不见得没有价值、没有分量.
随后是梅森发言,他坚信克莱德就是最冷酷、最凶恶的那一类杀人犯.他花了整整一天的时间,揭穿了那个"由谎言和站不住脚的论点组成的圈套".被告一方及其辩护律师希望借此分散陪审团注意力,不去查看那一连串分不开也击不破的、早已经过充分查证的、过得硬的罪证,而公诉人已经根据这些罪证,证明这个"有胡子的成年人"是一个"血手淋漓的杀人犯";事实上,他就是这类货色.他又花了好几个钟头,把各种不同的见证人的话重述了一遍.接着,他又花了好几个钟头痛斥克莱德,或是重述了一遍罗伯达那个悲切动人的故事——那么令人动怜,陪审团和听众眼泪几乎又是夺眶而出.克莱德坐在贝尔纳普和杰夫森之间,暗自思忖:这些证据经过如此巧妙而动人地重述一遍以后,看来陪审团怎么也不可能宣告他无罪了.
接着是奥伯沃泽从他那高高的法官座位上向陪审团临别留言:"列位先生——所有的证据,严格说来,或多或少都是间接证据,不管是推断出来有罪的事实也好,还是由一个目击者所提供的事实也好.要知道一个目击者作证,当然,是以情况为根据的.
"如果说本案具有实质性的哪一个事实跟犯罪的可能性不符,那末,你们列位先生就有责任,要作善意解释,假定被告无辜,对他作出虽可疑但无罪的处理.
"但是必须记住,所有的证据决不因为是间接证据就不被信任或是被推翻.有时候间接证据也许比直接证据更加可靠.
"至于犯罪动机及其在本案中的重要性,在庭上已经谈到很多了.不过,你们必须记住,有关动机的证词,决不是定罪所必不可少的或者是基本的条件.尽管某一个动机可以说明一种情况,有助于确定一条罪状,可是并不要求人们都去证实这个动机.
"如果陪审团认定罗伯达·奥尔登是意外地,或是不自觉地从船上落了水,而被告并没有设法去搭救她.这并不意味着被告犯了罪,陪审团也就必须认定被告'无罪'.从另一方面说,如果陪审团认定:被告在当时当地是通过任何一种方式(不管是一砸也好,还是别的什么方式也好)蓄意造成,或是促成这次致命的事件,那末,陪审团也就必须认定被告有罪.
"我并不是说你们必须在判决时保持全体一致,但我愿意奉劝你们里头任何一位,要是在仔细考虑之后,发现自己错了,可千万不要过分固执,还不肯让步."
奥伯沃泽法官就这样在他那高高的法官座位上,庄严地向陪审团作了一番训话.
法官讲话一结束,已是下午五点钟,陪审团就纷纷站了起来,从法庭大厅鱼贯而出.稍后,克莱德当即被押回到他的牢房,这时听众方才准许离开法庭大厅.执法官一直心事重重,唯恐克莱德也许有可能遭到突然袭击.克莱德在等待中熬过了这漫长的五个钟头之后,他就在牢房里不断地走来走去,或是佯装着在看书,歇息.克劳特和西塞尔拿了各报记者的小费,要把克莱德"受不受得了"的反映通报他们,就一声不响地尽可能守在一旁,观察着囚犯的动静.
在这同一时刻,奥伯沃泽法官、梅森、贝尔纳普、杰夫森,还有他们的随从和朋友们,正在布里奇伯格中央旅馆各自房间里用餐,喝一点儿酒,焦急地等着陪审团取得一致的意见,巴不得当即作出判决来,不管它究竟是怎么样一个判决.
在这同一时刻,那十二位陪审员——农民、店员、掌柜等等,他们为了让自己心安理得起见,又开始详详细细地讨论了梅森、贝尔纳普、杰夫森所提出的那些精辟论点.不过,在这十二人里头,只有一个人——塞缪尔·厄珀姆,一家杂货铺掌柜——此人的政见与梅森相左,因此对杰夫森印象极佳——同情贝尔纳普和杰夫森,于是,他就佯装对梅森的证据是不是反驳不倒心中还表示怀疑.投了五次票以后,其他陪审员就威胁此人说,万一陪审团意见不能达成一致,依然作不出决定来,他们就要告发他,也必然会激起公众愤慨与痛骂."我们要打垮你.公众准知道你的态度如何,你休想混过去."好在他开设在北曼斯菲尔德的杂货铺,反正生意不错,他就马上决定,最好还是把反对梅森的意见掖进自己口袋里,权且表示赞同吧.
接着,从陪审团室通往法庭大厅的那道门上,一连四次响起了敲门声.这是首席陪审员福斯特·伦德,此人专做水泥、石灰和石料生意,正抡起他的大拳头在敲门.饭后挤在这又热又闷的法庭大厅里的数百名听众(反正有很多人压根儿还一步没有离开过那儿哩)一下子都从昏昏欲睡中突然惊醒过来."怎么啦?出了什么事?是陪审团准备提出报告了?怎么判决的?"男的、女的,还有小孩子,突然都拥向靠近栏杆的地方.守在陪审团室门口的两名法警大声喊道:"得了!得了!法官一会儿就到."另有一些法警急匆匆奔到牢房去通知执法官把克莱德押解过来——还有一些法警则赶到布里奇伯格中央旅馆,通知奥伯沃泽法官等一行人.这时,克莱德不仅因为孑然一身,而且心里又是怕得要死,几乎茫然若失,或是头晕目眩,就被克劳特戴上了手铐,由斯拉克和西塞尔等人押走了.奥伯沃泽、梅森、贝尔纳普、杰夫森,还有所有新闻记者、画家、摄影记者和其他一些人也都入场,各自坐到几周以来他们常坐的座位上.克莱德两眼老是眨巴着,正坐在贝尔纳普和杰夫森后面——而不是跟他们并排坐在一起了.因为,现在他已被克劳特牢牢地戴上了手铐,所以不能不跟克劳特坐在一起.一俟奥伯沃泽坐到他的法官座位上,录事也坐到自己的座位上,陪审团室的门就打开了,十二位陪审员煞有介事地鱼贯而入——他们都是古里古怪的各色人等,绝大多数身上穿着破旧不堪的、从店里买来的现成服装.他们一进来后,便在陪审席上落了座,但一听到录事说:"陪审团列位先生,你们对判决的意见达成了一致吗?"他们又纷纷站了起来,不过,他们里头没有一个人朝贝尔纳普或杰夫森或克莱德这边看一眼,贝尔纳普马上意识到这结论是致命的.
"全垮了,"他对杰夫森低声耳语说."是反对我们的.我敢打赌说."接着,伦德宣布说:"我们已达成了一致的意见.我们认定被告犯了杀人罪."克莱德完全怔住了,但还是尽量控制自己,佯装表面镇静,两眼几乎眨也不眨地直盯住前面的陪审团和远处.因为,就在昨天晚上,杰夫森到牢房里来,看见他心情非常沮丧,就对他说过,万一判决对他不利,也没有什么了不起.要知道,这次审判自始至终不公正.每一个步骤都受到偏见和偏心的支配.梅森当着陪审团的面,如此大肆威吓,指桑骂槐,对此,任何高一级的法院决不会认为是公正的,就是适当的.请求复审是一定会批准的——虽然现在杰夫森还不打算谈论由谁来提出上诉.
现在,克莱德一想起杰夫森这些话,就暗自思忖,也许这个判决压根儿没有什么了不起.说实在的,这不会有什么了不起——或者,还是会有关系呢?不过,想一想,要是不能复审,那末,刚才说的这些话,其后果又如何呢!死!那就意味着死,如果这是最终判决的话——也许这就是最终判决哩.那时他得坐上那张电椅——这一幻影许多个日日夜夜早就在他脑际时隐时现,他怎么也没法把它从自己心头里撵出去.如今,那张电椅又在他面前出现了——那张可怕的、恐怖的电椅——只是比过去更逼近,显得更大了——就在他跟奥伯沃泽法官相隔的这段距离的中间.现在,克莱德清清楚楚地看到了这张电椅——方方正正的外形,宽宽的扶手,厚厚的靠背,椅子顶端和两旁都有好几根带子.天哪,万一如今谁都不肯搭救他呢!即便是格里菲思家吧,说不定现在再也不愿花更多的钱了!那可要仔细想一想!杰夫森和贝尔纳普提到的上诉法院,说不定也不肯帮他的忙.那末,刚才说的这些话,就要成为最终判决了.完了!完了!老天哪!他的上下颚在微微发颤,但他一发觉便又马上咬紧.就在这时,贝尔纳普站起来了解每一个陪审员投票表决的情况.而杰夫森侧过身子去向克莱德低声耳语道:"别担心.这可不是最终判决.也许我们能把它撤销了."但当陪审员一个个都说"同意"的时候——克莱德听到的只是他们的话,而不是杰夫森的话.为什么他们个个都这么坚决表示同意呢?难道连一个人都没有想到:也许克莱德并不象梅森所说的那样是故意砸了她?对于贝尔纳普和杰夫森坚称克莱德曾经回心转意的说法,难道说他们里头连一个半信半疑的人都没有吗?他看了他们一眼,他们里头既有小个儿,也有大块头.他们就象一堆深褐色的木偶,脸和手都是淡褐色的,或是古旧象牙色的.随后,他想到了自己的母亲.这一切她也会听到了.因为所有这些新闻记者、画家、摄影记者,目前都麇集在这里听最终判决的消息.格里菲思家——他伯父和吉尔伯特——现在会怎么想呢?还有桑德拉!桑德拉!她连一个字都没有捎来.他一直在这里法庭上公开作证,正如贝尔纳普和杰夫森向他鼓励的那样,说明他对桑德拉那种不可抗拒、主宰一切的狂恋,乃是造成这一切的真正原因,可是她连一个字都没有捎来.当然罗,现在她再也不会捎一个字给他了——而她原来想要跟他结婚,把自己一切全都奉献给他的!
不过这时候,周围群众深感满意,虽然他们鸦雀无声,也许正是因为深感满意他们才鸦雀无声.他这个小魔鬼没能"逃掉".他编的回心转意那一套鬼话,毕竟骗不了代表本县的这十二位头脑清醒的人呀.多蠢呀!这时,杰夫森坐在席位上,两眼直瞪着前方;贝尔纳普那张刚毅的脸上,露出轻蔑和挑战的神色,正在酝酿新的动议.梅森和伯利、纽科姆、雷德蒙掩饰不住在他们佯装异常严肃的假面具背后那种极端满意的神情.这时,贝尔纳普正在继续要求让宣判推迟到下星期五——也就是一周以后,这样对他届时出庭可以更方便些.但奥伯沃泽法官回答说,他认为没有必要——除非能提出充分的理由来.不过,要是被告辩护律师觉得合适的话,明天他不妨可以听听庭上辩论.如果辩论结果令人满意,他就可以推迟宣判——否则下星期一如期宣判.
可是,尽管这样,现在克莱德对这种辩论并不是怎么关心的.他心里正惦着自己的母亲,她会怎么想,她会有怎样的感受.最近他经常给她写信,始终坚持说他自己没有罪,还希望她对报刊上看到的那些东西,哪怕是极小一部分,也都不要相信.他肯定是会无罪获释的.他准备亲自走上证人席,给自己作证.可是,现在……现在……啊,现在他需要她——多么需要她呀.现在看来,差不多每一个人都把他抛弃了.如今他孑然一身,孤独得要死呀.他非得立即给她捎个信去.他非得给她捎信不可.他非得给她捎信不可.于是,他向杰夫森要了一张纸、一支铅笔,写道:"科罗拉多州丹佛'希望之星'传道馆阿萨·格里菲思太太.亲爱的妈妈——我已给定罪了——克莱德."然后把这张条子递给杰夫森,紧张不安而又轻声轻气地问他能不能马上把这封信发出去."当然罗,孩子,马上就发,"杰夫森回答说.他被克莱德的可怜相感动了,挥手招呼附近一个报童,把这张条子和电报费一并交给了他.
在这同一个时刻,所有的出口处全都上了锁,要等到在西塞尔、克劳特看押下让克莱德从他一直巴不得从那里逃出去的那个熟悉的边门提出去以后,方才启锁敞开.各报记者、听众,以及还留在庭上的陪审员们,他们两眼全都盯住他.因为,即使到了此刻,他们对克莱德也没有看够,还要盯住他的脸,看看他对判决究竟作出什么反应.由于当地公众极端敌视克莱德,奥伯沃泽法官应斯拉克的要求,宣布暂不退庭,待到消息传来说克莱德已被押回牢房之后,方才让所有的门敞开.接着,听众都向出口处拥去,但是,他们仍都等候在法庭大厅门口,想在梅森出来的时候一睹他的丰采.在跟本案有关的所有人物里头,现在梅森已成为一个真正的英雄了.他让克莱德受到了应有的惩罚,替罗伯达报了仇.殊不知先出来的并不是他梅森,倒是杰夫森和贝尔纳普.瞧他们的神情,与其说是垂头丧气,还不如说是严峻而又富于挑战性——特别是杰夫森,露出决不屈服和蔑视一切的神态.这时,有人大声喊道:"喂,到头来你还是没能让他逍遥法外呀."杰夫森耸耸肩,回答说:"暂时还没有,反正最后判决也不全是这个县说了算的."紧接着他们之后,梅森走了出来,肩上披着一件鼓鼓囊囊的厚大衣,那顶旧呢帽拉得低低的,快要遮住眼睛,后面跟着伯利、海特、纽科姆等一行人,有如御前侍卫一般.他走路时的神态,好象压根儿没觉察到这些鹄望等候的群众就是专诚向他致敬.现在他不就是一个胜利者,一个当选了的法官吗!刹那间,四周欢呼叫好的群众朝他围拢来,贴近他身旁的那些人或是拉住他的手,或是拍拍他的肩膀,表示感激."奥维尔万岁!""你真是好样的,法官!"(他这个崭新的,也可以说,转眼要变成习以为常的头衔.)"奥维尔·梅森,的的确确,全县应该感谢你!""嗨——好啊!真帅!真帅!""为奥维尔·梅森欢呼万岁万岁……!"于是,群众马上高声连呼三声万岁,连克莱德在牢房里都听得很清楚,并且也懂得这意味着什么.
人们正在向梅森欢呼致敬,因为梅森已给他定了罪.在外头那么一大群人里头,没有一个人不相信克莱德是彻头彻尾有罪的.是罗伯达——是她的那些信——是她逼着他跟她结婚的那种决心——是她深怕丑事张扬出去——才使他落到了这样的下场.定了罪.说不定要死.他一直渴望着的一切——他曾经梦想享受的一切,现在全都失去了.还有桑德拉!桑德拉!连一个字也没有给他捎来!连一个字也没有给他捎来!这时,他既害怕也许克劳特或是西塞尔或是别人在监视他(即便到了此刻,他们还要把他的一举一动向上报告),他又不愿让人看到自己确实是如何灰心丧气、绝望透顶的样子.因此,他就坐了下来,随手拿来一本杂志,佯装在翻看,实际上,他却在凝望着远方,他看到的正是:他的母亲、他的弟弟和姐妹们、格里菲思一家人,以及所有他熟识的人.可是这些虚无缥缈的心中幻影啊,他委实受不了,最后就站了起来,把衣服脱掉,爬到自己铁床上去.
"定了罪!定了罪!"这就意味着,他非死不可!天哪!不过,要是能让脸儿埋在枕头里,谁都看不见——不管他们猜测得有多么准确——也是多么幸福啊!
回复 引用 新鲜事
顶端
司凌。

ZxID：9742737

2429874鲜花 36鸡蛋

等级: 派派版主
配偶: 此微夜
原名：独爱穿越。
举报 只看该作者 96楼  发表于: 2013-10-25 0

Part 3 Chapter 27
The dreary aftermath of a great contest and a great failure, with the general public from coast to coast--in view ofthis stern local interpretation of the tragedy--firmly convinced that Clyde was guilty and, as heralded by thenewspapers everywhere, that he had been properly convicted. The pathos of that poor little murdered countrygirl! Her sad letters! How she must have suffered! That weak defense! Even the Griffiths of Denver were soshaken by the evidence as the trial had progressed that they scarcely dared read the papers openly--one to theother--but, for the most part, read of it separately and alone, whispering together afterwards of the damning,awful deluge of circumstantial evidence. Yet, after reading Belknap's speech and Clyde's own testimony, thislittle family group that had struggled along together for so long coming to believe in their own son and brother inspite of all they had previously read against him. And because of this--during the trial as well as afterwards-writinghim cheerful and hopeful letters, based frequently on letters from him in which he insisted over and overagain that he was not guilty. Yet once convicted, and out of the depths of his despair wiring his mother as hedid--and the papers confirming it--absolute consternation in the Griffiths family. For was not this proof? Or, wasit? All the papers seemed to think so. And they rushed reporters to Mrs. Griffiths, who, together with her littlebrood, had sought refuge from the unbearable publicity in a remote part of Denver entirely removed from themission world. A venal moving-van company had revealed her address.
　　And now this American witness to the rule of God upon earth, sitting in a chair in her shabby, nondescriptapartment, hard-pressed for the very means to sustain herself--degraded by the milling forces of life and the felland brutal blows of chance--yet serene in her trust--and declaring: "I cannot think this morning. I seem numb andthings look strange to me. My boy found guilty of murder! But I am his mother and I am not convinced of hisguilt by any means! He has written me that he is not guilty and I believe him. And to whom should he turn withthe truth and for trust if not to me? But there is He who sees all things and who knows."At the same time there was so much in the long stream of evidence, as well as Clyde's first folly in Kansas City,that had caused her to wonder--and fear. Why was he unable to explain that folder? Why couldn't he have goneto the girl's aid when he could swim so well? And why did he proceed so swiftly to the mysterious Miss X-whoevershe was? Oh, surely, surely, surely, she was not going to be compelled, in spite of all her faith, tobelieve that her eldest--the most ambitious and hopeful, if restless, of all of her children, was guilty of such acrime! No! She could not doubt him--even now. Under the merciful direction of a living God, was it not evil in amother to believe evil of a child, however dread his erring ways might seem? In the silence of the differentrooms of the mission, before she had been compelled to remove from there because of curious and troublesomevisitors, had she not stood many times in the center of one of those miserable rooms while sweeping and dusting,free from the eye of any observer--her head thrown back, her eyes closed, her strong, brown face molded inhomely and yet convinced and earnest lines--a figure out of the early Biblical days of her six-thousand-year-oldworld--and earnestly directing her thoughts to that imaginary throne which she saw as occupied by the living,giant mind and body of the living God--her Creator. And praying by the quarter and the half hour that she begiven strength and understanding and guidance to know of her son's innocence or guilt--and if innocent that thissearing burden of suffering be lifted from him and her and all those dear to him and her--or if guilty, she beshown how to do--how to endure the while he be shown how to wash from his immortal soul forever the horrorof the thing he had done--make himself once more, if possible, white before the Lord.
　　"Thou art mighty, O God, and there is none beside Thee. Behold, to Thee all things are possible. In Thy favor isLife. Have mercy, O God. Though his sins be as scarlet, make him white as snow. Though they be red likecrimson, make them as wool."Yet in her then--and as she prayed--was the wisdom of Eve in regard to the daughters of Eve. That girl whomClyde was alleged to have slain--what about her? Had she not sinned too? And was she not older than Clyde?
　　The papers said so. Examining the letters, line by line, she was moved by their pathos and was intensely andpathetically grieved for the misery that had befallen the Aldens. Nevertheless, as a mother and woman full of thewisdom of ancient Eve, she saw how Roberta herself must have consented--how the lure of her must have aidedin the weakening and the betrayal of her son. A strong, good girl would not have consented--could not have.
　　How many confessions about this same thing had she not heard in the mission and at street meetings? And mightit not be said in Clyde's favor--as in the very beginning of life in the Garden of Eden--"the woman tempted me"?
　　Truly--and because of that-"His mercy endureth forever," she quoted. And if His mercy endureth--must that of Clyde's mother be less?
　　"If ye have faith, so much as the grain of a mustard seed," she quoted to herself--and now, in the face of theseimportuning reporters added: "Did my son kill her? That is the question. Nothing else matters in the eyes of ourMaker," and she looked at the sophisticated, callous youths with the look of one who was sure that her Godwould make them understand. And even so they were impressed by her profound sincerity and faith. "Whether ornot the jury has found him guilty or innocent is neither here nor there in the eyes of Him who holds the stars inthe hollow of His hand. The jury's finding is of men. It is of the earth's earthy. I have read his lawyer's plea. Myson himself has told me in his letters that he is not guilty. I believe my son. I am convinced that he is innocent."And Asa in another corner of the room, saying little. Because of his lack of comprehension of the actualities aswell as his lack of experience of the stern and motivating forces of passion, he was unable to grasp even a tithe ofthe meaning of this. He had never understood Clyde or his lacks or his feverish imaginings, so he said, andpreferred not to discuss him.
　　"But," continued Mrs. Griffiths, "at no time have I shielded Clyde in his sin against Roberta Alden. He didwrong, but she did wrong too in not resisting him. There can be no compromising with sin in any one. Andthough my heart goes out in sympathy and love to the bleeding heart of her dear mother and father who havesuffered so, still we must not fail to see that this sin was mutual and that the world should know and judgeaccordingly. Not that I want to shield him," she repeated. "He should have remembered the teachings of hisyouth." And here her lips compressed in a sad and somewhat critical misery. "But I have read her letters too. AndI feel that but for them, the prosecuting attorney would have no real case against my son. He used them to workon the emotions of the jury." She got up, tried as by fire, and exclaimed, tensely and beautifully: "But he is myson! He has just been convicted. I must think as a mother how to help him, however I feel as to his sin." Shegripped her hands together, and even the reporters were touched by her misery. "I must go to him! I should havegone before. I see it now." She paused, discovering herself to be addressing her inmost agony, need, fear, to thesepublic ears and voices, which might in no wise understand or care.
　　"Some people wonder," now interrupted one of these same--a most practical and emotionally calloused youth ofClyde's own age--"why you weren't there during the trial. Didn't you have the money to go?""I had no money," she replied simply. "Not enough, anyhow. And besides, they advised me not to come--that they did not need me. But now--now I must go--in some way--I must find out how." She went to a small shabbydesk, which was a part of the sparse and colorless equipment of the room. "You boys are going downtown," shesaid. "Would one of you send a telegram for me if I give you the money?""Sure!" exclaimed the one who had asked her the rudest question. "Give it to me. You don't need any money. I'llhave the paper send it." Also, as he thought, he would write it up, or in, as part of his story.
　　She seated herself at the yellow and scratched desk and after finding a small pad and pen, she wrote: "Clyde-Trustin God. All things are possible to Him. Appeal at once. Read Psalm 51. Another trial will prove yourinnocence. We will come to you soon. Father and Mother.""Perhaps I had just better give you the money," she added, nervously, wondering whether it would be well topermit a newspaper to pay for this and wondering at the same time if Clyde's uncle would be willing to pay foran appeal. It might cost a great deal. Then she added: "It's rather long.""Oh, don't bother about that!" exclaimed another of the trio, who was anxious to read the telegram. "Write allyou want. We'll see that it goes.""I want a copy of that," added the third, in a sharp and uncompromising tone, seeing that the first reporter wasproceeding to take and pocket the message. "This isn't private. I get it from you or her--now!"And at this, number one, in order to avoid a scene, which Mrs. Griffiths, in her slow way, was beginning tosense, extracted the slip from his pocket and turned it over to the others, who there and then proceeded to copy it.
　　At the same time that this was going on, the Griffiths of Lycurgus, having been consulted as to the wisdom andcost of a new trial, disclosed themselves as by no means interested, let alone convinced, that an appeal--at least attheir expense--was justified. The torture and socially--if not commercially--destroying force of all this--everyhour of it a Golgotha! Bella and her social future, to say nothing of Gilbert and his--completely overcast andcharred by this awful public picture of the plot and crime that one of their immediate blood had conceived andexecuted! Samuel Griffiths himself, as well as his wife, fairly macerated by this blasting flash from his wellintentioned,though seemingly impractical and nonsensical good deed. Had not a long, practical struggle with lifetaught him that sentiment in business was folly? Up to the hour he had met Clyde he had never allowed it toinfluence him in any way. But his mistaken notion that his youngest brother had been unfairly dealt with by theirfather! And now this! This! His wife and daughter compelled to remove from the scene of their happiest yearsand comforts and live as exiles--perhaps forever--in one of the suburbs of Boston, or elsewhere--or foreverendure the eyes and sympathy of their friends! And himself and Gilbert almost steadily conferring ever since asto the wisdom of uniting the business in stock form with some of the others of Lycurgus or elsewhere--or, if notthat, of transferring, not by degrees but speedily, to either Rochester or Buffalo or Boston or Brooklyn, where amain plant might be erected. The disgrace of this could only be overcome by absenting themselves fromLycurgus and all that it represented to them. They must begin life all over again--socially at least. That did notmean so much to himself or his wife--their day was about over anyhow. But Bella and Gilbert and Myra--how torehabilitate them in some way, somewhere?
　　And so, even before the trial was finished, a decision on the part of Samuel and Gilbert Griffiths to remove the business to South Boston, where they might decently submerge themselves until the misery and shame of thishad in part at least been forgotten.
　　And because of this further aid to Clyde absolutely refused. And Belknap and Jephson then sitting down togetherto consider. For obviously, their time being as valuable as it was--devoted hitherto to the most successful practicein Bridgeburg--and with many matters waiting on account of the pressure of this particular case--they were byno means persuaded that either their practical self-interest or their charity permitted or demanded their assistingClyde without further recompense. In fact, the expense of appealing this case was going to be considerable asthey saw it. The record was enormous. The briefs would be large and expensive, and the State's allowance forthem was pitifully small. At the same time, as Jephson pointed out, it was folly to assume that the westernGriffiths might not be able to do anything at all. Had they not been identified with religious and charitable workthis long while? And was it not possible, the tragedy of Clyde's present predicament pointed out to them, thatthey might through appeals of various kinds raise at least sufficient money to defray the actual costs of such anappeal? Of course, they had not aided Clyde up to the present time but that was because his mother had beennotified that she was not needed. It was different now.
　　"Better wire her to come on," suggested Jephson, practically. "We can get Oberwaltzer to set the sentence overuntil the tenth if we say that she is trying to come on here. Besides, just tell her to do it and if she says she can'twe'll see about the money then. But she'll be likely to get it and maybe some towards the appeal too."And forthwith a telegram and a letter to Mrs. Griffiths, saying that as yet no word had been said to Clyde butnone-the-less his Lycurgus relatives had declined to assist him further in any way. Besides, he was to besentenced not later than the tenth, and for his own future welfare it was necessary that some one--preferablyherself--appear. Also that funds to cover the cost of an appeal be raised, or at least the same guaranteed.
　　And then Mrs. Griffiths, on her knees praying to her God to help her. Here, NOW, he must show his Almightyhand--his never-failing mercy. Enlightenment and help must come from somewhere--otherwise how was she toget the fare, let alone raise money for Clyde's appeal?
　　Yet as she prayed--on her knees--a thought. The newspapers had been hounding her for interviews. They hadfollowed her here and there. Why had she not gone to her son's aid? What did she think of this? What of that?
　　And now she said to herself, why should she not go to the editor of one of the great papers so anxious to questionher always and tell him how great was her need? Also, that if he would help her to reach her son in time to bewith him on his day of sentence that she, his mother, would report the same for him. These papers were sendingtheir reporters here, there--even to the trial, as she had read. Why not her--his mother? Could she not speak andwrite too? How many, many tracts had she not composed?
　　And so now to her feet--only to sink once more on her knees: "Thou hast answered me, oh, my God!" sheexclaimed. Then rising, she got out her ancient brown coat, the commonplace brown bonnet with strings--basedon some mood in regard to religious livery--and at once proceeded to the largest and most important newspaper.
　　And because of the notoriety of her son's trial she was shown directly to the managing editor, who was as muchinterested as he was impressed and who listened to her with respect and sympathy. He understood her situationand was under the impression that the paper would be interested in this. He disappeared for a few moments--thenreturned. She would be employed as a correspondent for a period of three weeks, and after that until further notice. Her expenses to and fro would be covered. An assistant, into whose hands he would now deliver herwould instruct her as to the method of preparing and filing her communications. He would also provide her withsome ready cash. She might even leave tonight if she chose--the sooner, the better. The paper would like aphotograph or two before she left. But as he talked, and as he noticed, her eyes were closed--her head back. Shewas offering thanks to the God who had thus directly answered her plea.
第二十七章
经过激烈斗争和大败亏输之后,结果确实是够惨的.鉴于当地法庭对这场悲剧作出了如此严峻的处置,从东海岸到西海岸,广大公众都坚信克莱德确实犯了罪,而且正如各地报刊所预告的,他是理应严惩不贷.这个可怜的乡下小姑娘,死得该有多惨啊!她的那些悲切动人的信啊!谅她一定经历过多大的苦难啊!还有,被告一方多么软弱无力的申辩!哪怕是来自丹佛的格思菲思一家人,也被审判期间各种证据所震惊,几乎大家都不敢公开看报纸,多半是各归各单独看,看过以后,对这些该死的、象可怕的洪水般涌来的间接证据,也只是窃窃私语罢了.可是,在读过了贝尔纳普的申辩和克莱德自己的证词以后,这个小小的、长期以来休戚与共的家庭都对自己的子弟表示信得过,尽管在此以前他们在报上看到过许多不利于他的报道.因此,不论是在审判期间或是在审判以后,他们经常给他写些愉快而又充满希望的信,信里内容往往根据克莱德来信中一再坚持说他无罪的口径写的.但在定罪以后,他在万分绝望之中给母亲发了电报——各报刊又证实了判罪一事——格里菲思一家人就顿时惊慌万状了.这不是他确实犯了罪的证据吗?难道说还不是吗?所有的报刊好象都持这种看法.而且,各报刊立即派出记者赶去采访格里菲思太太.原来她已拖家带口,搬到了丹佛郊外一个比较偏僻的地方,远离宗教界,来这里避避风,因为各报刊上大肆渲染,实在让人受不了.可是某汽车搬运公司里一位贪财的职员,还是把她的住所泄漏出去了.
这位美国女人乃是上帝主宰世间俗务的见证人,此刻正在她那不可名状的寒伧的住房里,坐在一张椅子上,生计几乎让她难以为继——人世间的磨难和命运的残酷打击,竟使她如此穷愁潦倒——可她心中还是恬然宁静,虔信上帝.她说:"今天早上,什么事我都想不起来.我好象已经麻木不仁了,觉得一切事情都怪得出奇.我的小孩子被确认犯了杀人罪!不过,我是他的母亲,说他有罪,我是怎么也不相信的.他写信给我,说他没有罪;我是相信他的.除我以外,他还能向谁去吐露真情,求得信任呢?但是,还有他①,他看得见一切,他洞察一切."
①此处指克莱德之母虔信的上帝.
此外还有没完没了的一长串的证据,连同克莱德在堪萨斯城最早的秽行,使她不由得暗自纳闷——并且感到很害怕.为什么旅游指南问题他都解释不清楚呢?他既然水性那么好,为什么不能去搭救那个姑娘呢?为什么他一溜烟似的就到了那个神秘的某某小姐那里呢?她到底是谁呢?啊,当然罗,当然罗,她决不能有违自己的信仰,被迫相信她的大儿子——在她子女里头就数他最爱虚荣,最有希望,尽管也是最不安分——竟然会犯下这样的罪行!不!她决不能怀疑他——哪怕是现在.在活灵活现的上帝的仁慈的指引下,做母亲的若是相信自己的孩子是邪恶的(不管孩子好象已经多么可怕地误入了歧途),难道这本身不就是邪恶吗?在那些好奇而又讨厌的来访者逼使她不得不搬家以前,她在寂然无声的传道馆里,有好几回打扫尘土时,站在一个寒伧的小房间中央,没有任何人看见——她昂起头,闭上眼,她那坚强的棕色脸容虽然并不出众,但是露出坚信、诚挚的神态——好一个来自遥远的圣经时代、长达六千年之久的世界里的人物——虔诚地把她的一切思念都引向她想象中的那个宝座,这时她在心中仿佛看见坐在宝座上的,正是那个活灵活现的上帝,及其活灵活现而又伟大的心灵和躯体——她的创世主.每隔一刻钟,每隔半个钟头,她就做祷告,祈求上帝给予她力量和智慧,启迪她了解清楚她的儿子到底是无辜,还是有罪——要是无辜的话,那就祈求上帝让他、她自己和他们俩所有的亲人不再受到五内俱裂的痛苦.如果说有罪的话,那就祈求上帝启示她该怎么办?她该怎样忍受这一切,而克莱德又该怎样从永恒的灵魂里洗涤掉他所做过的骇人的罪孽——如果可能的话,让他涤尽心灵上的邪恶,成为道德上清白的人,重新站到至高无上的主跟前.
"您是全能的,啊,上帝,没有什么人比得上您.看啊,您一切都做得到.由于您的眷爱就有了生命.显示您的仁慈吧,啊,上帝.他的罪虽象朱红,必变成雪白.他的罪虽红如丹颜,必白如羊毛."①
可是,在她身上——也是正当她在祈祷的时候——就具有夏娃对于夏娃女儿们的那种睿智.据说被克莱德害死的那个姑娘——她是怎么样的呢?难道说她不是也犯了罪吗?难道说她年纪不是比克莱德还要大吗?报刊上都是这么说的.罗伯达那些信,她仔细地、一行一行地看过了;凄惨动人之处使她非常感动,并对奥尔登一家人遭到的不幸深为悲恸.尽管如此,作为一个具有创世之初夏娃的睿智的母亲和女人,她知道当时罗伯达自己一定赞同了的——她的诱惑也一定助长了她儿子的意志薄弱和道德堕落.一个坚强、善良的姑娘怎么也不会赞同的——断断乎不能赞同的.在传道馆里,在街头祈祷会上,象这一类的忏悔,她不知道听过多少回了.难道不该替克莱德申辩说,正如伊甸园里浑沌初开时那样——"这个女人引诱了我?"
确实是这样——而由于这个原因——
"他的慈爱永远长存,"②她援引了《圣经》里的话.如果他的慈爱永远长存——难道说克莱德母亲对儿子的慈爱就应该少一些吗?
"你们若有信心象一粒芥菜种,"③她援引了《圣经》里的话,自言自语道——随后,她冲一些死乞白赖地缠住她的记者找补着说:"我的儿子果真害死了她吗?这是最重要的问题.在我们创世主的心目中,唯有这件事才最重要."她两眼望着这些世故很深、铁石心肠的年轻记者们,相信她的上帝会使他们心明眼亮的.尽管如此,他们对她那种诚挚和信仰留下了很深的印象."陪审团认定他有罪也好,还是无罪也好,这在掌心里捏着星星的他看起来,都是无关紧要的.陪审团的判决,只是对凡夫俗子的判决.这是尘世间的俗事.我看过他的辩护律师的申诉.我儿子亲自给我写信说他无罪.我相信我的儿子.我深信他是无辜的."
①参见《圣经·旧约·以赛亚书》第1章第18节.
②引自《圣经·旧约·耶利米书》第33章第11节.
③引自《圣经·新约·马太福音》第17章第20节.
这时,阿萨正在这个房间的另一个角落里,几乎一言不发.他对生活现实不了解,他对情欲那种强烈的诱发力也不懂得.因此,他对眼前所发生的这件事的意义,哪怕是它的十分之一,也领会不了.他说过,他从来就不了解克莱德,不管是他的缺点也好,还是他狂热的想象力也好.所以,他觉得还是不去谈论他为好.
"不过,"格里菲思太太继续说,"克莱德对罗伯达·奥尔登造的孽,我从来没有包庇过.他做了错事,但是她也做了错事,因为她并没有抗拒他.不论是谁造的孽,绝对不能妥协.对于她亲爱的父母遭受莫大痛苦,心儿淌着血,我是衷心表示同情和热爱,可是,我们不能不看到,这个罪孽是他们两人一块造成的.这一点应该让全世界知道,并且据此作出判断来.这样说法并不是我存心包庇他,"这句话她又重复念叨了一遍."本来他早该记住年幼时所受到的教导."说到这里,她的嘴唇紧紧闭住,露出伤心而又多少有一点自我责备的神色."不过,她的那些信我也读过.我觉得,要不是有这些信,检察官就说不上有什么真正的论据来指控我的儿子.他就是利用这些信,去影响陪审团的情绪."她站了起来,象受过烈火炙烤似的,突然激情迸发,嚷了起来:"不过,他是我的儿呀!他刚听到给自己定了罪.我非得想一想,作为母亲该怎样帮助他,不管我对他造的孽有怎样的看法."说罢,她紧攥着两手.甚至这些记者也都被她的巨大痛苦所感动了."我非去他那儿不可!我早就该去啦.现在我明白了."她沉吟不语,发现她正在向这些群众的喉舌倾诉自己心头深处的痛苦、危难和恐惧,殊不知他们这些人压根儿不懂得,而且还无动于衷.
"有好些人觉得挺怪,"他们里头有一个人,年龄跟克莱德相仿,虽然挺能干,但是心肠很硬的年轻人插嘴说,"为什么审判的时候你没有出庭.你没有这笔钱去吧?"
"是的,我没有钱,"她干脆利索回答说."反正是钱不够吧.除此以外,他们关照我不要去,说他们用不着我去.不过,现在啊——现在我不管怎么办,非去不可——现在我非得寻摸个办法不可."她便走向一张破烂的小桌子——它就是这房间里稀稀落落的、褪了色的陈设之一."小伙子们,你们现在要进城去,"她说."你们哪一位替我把这个电报发出去?钱我就交给你们."
"当然罗!"原先向她最不策略地提问的那个人大声嚷道."把电报给我.你用不着交钱.我让报社给发出去."他暗自寻思,不妨把这个电报改写成一条新闻消息,或是把它干脆写进去,作为他对格里菲思太太的访问记的一部分.
她坐在那张黄色的油漆早已剥落的小桌子旁,找来一小本拍纸簿和一支笔,写道:"克莱德——虔信上帝.他是无所不能的.立即提出上诉.念赞美诗第五十一篇.复审将证明是你无辜的.我们马上就到.父母."
"恐怕还是把钱给你的好,"她忐忑不安地找补着说,暗自纳闷,一是让报社出钱发电报究竟好不好,二是又不知道克莱德的伯父肯不肯承担上诉的费用.也许要花很多的钱.稍后,她又添了一句说:"电报相当长呗."
"哦,这你可不用担心!"那三个人里头的另一个人大声说道.此人恨不得看到电报的内容."你想写什么就写什么.电报由我们拍发就得了."
"我也要抄一份呀,"那第三个人眼看着第一个记者正把电报掖进口袋,就用尖锐而又毫不客气的口气说."这可不是什么私人电报.我非要从你那里,或是从她那里抄一份不可——马上就抄!"
第一个人听了以后,为了免得出丑闻(对此,格里菲思太太尽管反应慢些,也开始觉察到了)便把电报从口袋里掏出来,交给另外几位,于是他们马上抄了一份.
与此同时,有人就上诉是不是妥当和要花钱一事征询过在莱柯格斯的格里菲思一家人,现已表明他们并不认为好象应该提出上诉的(无论如何也不负担上诉费用),反正他们对这个问题毫无兴趣.这一切给他们带来多大苦恼,如果说不是在商业上,而是在社会地位上——对他们该有多大打击!每小时——真的都象是在各各他!①由于如此彰明昭著地公开揭示了这是由他们的血亲蓄意策划的骇人罪行,贝拉和她在上流社会里的前途,更不用说吉尔伯特和他在上流社会里的前途,全都彻底被断送了!塞缪尔·格里菲思和他的妻子当时做了一件好事,仅仅是出于善良的意愿,尽管看起来既不实在,也没有什么意义,到头来却被这一剧变折磨得够呛.他漫长的一生中踏踏实实奋斗的经验告诉过他:把感情和做生意掺和在一起,岂不是很荒唐吗?他在遇见克莱德以前,不管做什么事,决不让自己感情用事的.可是,他暗自寻思当初父亲亏待了小兄弟,仅仅这一念之差却招来了眼前灾祸!眼前这一场灾祸!他的妻子和女儿无可奈何,只好从度过他们最欢乐的岁月的安适的家园搬走,过着流亡异乡的生活——也许永远地——住在波士顿近郊或是别的什么地方——永远饱受周围人们那种同情而又讨厌的眼色!自从这一剧变发生以来,他自己几乎动不动就跟吉尔伯特商量,要不要采用股份的形式让企业跟莱柯格斯或是外地厂家合并——要不然,就把公司(不是逐步地,而是力求很快地)迁往罗切斯特,或是布法罗,或是波士顿,或是布洛克林,在那里也许设立一个总厂.若要摆脱这一丑事,他们只有离开莱柯格斯,把他们在这里心爱的一切通通给扔掉.他们的生活又得从头开始——至少在上流社会里要重新树立自己的地位.这对他本人,对他的妻子,本来算不上什么——反正他们一辈子差不多都过去了.可是贝拉、吉尔伯特、麦拉,叫他们怎样在别的什么地方重新树立他们的好名声呢?
①《圣经》地名,耶稣被钉死在十字架上的殉难处.
因此,远在审判结束以前,塞缪尔·格里菲思和吉尔伯特·格里菲思就决定将领子衬衫工厂迁往南波士顿.在那里,也许他们可以不露头角地待下去,一直要到这次灾祸和耻辱好歹被人淡忘了为止.
所以,继续帮助克莱德一事,已被断然拒绝了.贝尔纳普和杰夫森只好坐下来一起商量对策.显然,他们的时间历来非常宝贵——在这以前,他们在布里奇伯格办案都挺顺手,总是稳操胜券——但因克莱德一案特别要紧,许多事情都被搁了下来,尚待他们日后处置.这两位律师相信,无论从个人收益考虑,或是纯粹出于慈悲心,既不允许,也不需要他们在再也不给酬劳的情况下继续帮助克莱德.事实上,他们知道,本案倘要上诉,其费用不用说非常可观.法庭的案卷多得有如山积了.要搞成很多案情摘要,抄起来挺费钱,而政府给的补贴却又少得可怜.不过,杰夫森又说,如果认为西部的格里菲思家压根儿一点办法都没有,这也未免太傻了.听说,他们不是长年累月一直从事宗教和慈善事业吗?只要把克莱德目前所处的够惨的窘境给他们一指出来,不是他们就可以通过各种各样呼吁人们帮助的方式,至少能敛到一笔钱,足够应付上诉时种种实际开支吗?是的,当然罗,直到目前为止,他们还没有帮助过克莱德,不过,那是因为当初关照过他母亲,说用不着她去的.可现在——又是另一回事了.
"最好打电报叫她来,"杰夫森挺老练地提议说."我们只要说她正要上这儿来,那就可以使奥伯沃泽把宣判往后推迟到十日.反正一开头,我们就请她务必来这儿;要是她说来不了,到了那时候,我们再考虑钱的问题.不过,路费想来她总可以敛到吧,说不定上诉费用的一部分也还能敛到哩."
于是,马上就给格里菲思太太拍了一个电报,另外还寄去一封信,说他们虽然至今对克莱德一点没有提起过,不过,莱柯格斯的亲戚已经表示今后再也不给他任何帮助了.再说,最迟到十日,他就要被宣判了.为了让克莱德心境宁静起见,亲属方面必须有个把人——最好是她母亲本人——出庭.此外还提到要设法把上诉费用张罗好,哪怕是对这笔费用有个保证也好.
于是,格里菲思太太就两膝跪下,祈祷她的上帝帮助她.现在,他必须让他那无所不能的巨掌——他那永远不变的仁慈都给显示出来.必须从某个地方获得启示和帮助——要不然,叫她怎能敛到这一笔路费呢?更不用提为克莱德筹措上诉的费用了.
不过,当她两膝跪下祈祷的时候,脑际突然掠过一个闪念.各报刊记者老是找她采访.他们到处盯她的梢.为什么她没有赶去救她儿子呢?她对这一点有什么想法?而对那一点又有什么想法?这时,她暗自思忖着:原先老是急于采访她的那几家大报,她为什么不可以去找一找其中某报编辑,告诉他们,说她目前的急难该有多大.如果他们可以帮助她,好让她能够在她儿子被宣判的那一天及时赶到他身边,那末,她,他的母亲,愿意把当时的情况写成报道寄给他.这些报社到处——甚至连这次开庭——都派出了记者——她是从报刊上看到的.那末,为什么就不可以也派她——克莱德的母亲去呢?难道是她不会说,也不会写吗?不知道有多少布道的稿子不就是她自己写的吗?
于是,她就站了起来——不过两膝马上又下跪:"你已经回答我了,啊,我的上帝!"她大声喊道.稍后,她又站了起来,取出自己的棕色旧外套和极其普通、垂着丝带的棕色女帽——是照传道士服饰做的——马上动身前往一家最大的、也是最有影响的报社去.因为她儿子在受审期间已出了名,她马上就给直接领去见总编辑了.总编辑对她这位特殊来访者极感兴趣,并且满怀尊敬和同情仔细听她一一诉说.他很了解她的处境,并且觉得他们报社一定对此也很关注.他走了出去,不一会儿又回来了.该报准备雇用她作为特派记者,期限是三个星期,以后再听通知.她的往返旅费可向报社报销.同时派给她一名助手,总编辑准备马上让她去见一见.凡是有关她的通讯稿如何准备,以及如何拍发等问题,助手都会关照她的.总编辑还给了她一些现款.她要是愿意,甚至今晚就可以动身——越快越好.动身前,报社很想给她拍一两张照片.殊不知总编辑把这一切向她交代的时候,突然发现她两眼闭上,脑袋往后仰着.这是她在感谢上帝就这样直接回答了她的祈求.
回复 引用 新鲜事
顶端
司凌。

ZxID：9742737

2429874鲜花 36鸡蛋

等级: 派派版主
配偶: 此微夜
原名：独爱穿越。
举报 只看该作者 97楼  发表于: 2013-10-25 0

Part 3 Chapter 28
Bridgeburg and a slow train that set down a tired, distrait woman at its depot after midnight on the eighth ofDecember. Bitter cold and bright stars. A lone depot assistant who on inquiry directed her to the BridgeburgCentral House--straight up the street which now faced her, then two blocks to her left after she reached thesecond street. The sleepy night clerk of the Central House providing her instantly with a room and, once he knewwho she was, directing her to the county jail. But she deciding after due rumination that now was not the hour.
　　He might be sleeping. She would go to bed and rise early in the morning. She had sent him various telegrams. Heknew that she was coming.
　　But as early as seven in the morning, rising, and by eight appearing at the jail, letters, telegrams and credentialsin hand. And the jail officials, after examining the letters she carried and being convinced of her identity,notifying Clyde of her presence. And he, depressed and forlorn, on hearing this news, welcoming the thought ofher as much as at first he had dreaded her coming. For now things were different. All the long grim story hadbeen told. And because of the plausible explanation which Jephson had provided him, he could face her perhapsand say without a quaver that it was true--that he had not plotted to kill Roberta--that he had not willingly left herto die in the water. And then hurrying down to the visitor's room, where, by the courtesy of Slack, he waspermitted to talk with his mother alone.
　　On seeing her rise at his entrance, and hurrying to her, his troubled intricate soul not a little dubious, yetconfident also that it was to find sanctuary, sympathy, help, perhaps--and that without criticism--in her heart.
　　And exclaiming with difficulty, as a lump thickened in his throat: "Gee, Ma! I'm glad you've come." But she toomoved for words--her condemned boy in her arms--merely drawing his head to her shoulder and then lookingup. The Lord God had vouchsafed her this much. Why not more? The ultimate freedom of her son--or if not that,at least a new trial--a fair consideration of the evidence in his favor which had not been had yet, of course. Andso they stood for several moments.
　　Then news of home, the reason for her presence, her duty as a correspondent to interview him--later to appearwith him in court at the hour of his sentence--a situation over which Clyde winced. Yet now, as he heard fromher, his future was likely to depend on her efforts alone. The Lycurgus Griffiths, for reasons of their own, haddecided not to aid him further. But she--if she were but able to face the world with a sound claim--might still aidhim. Had not the Lord aided her thus far? Yet to face the world and the Lord with her just one plea she mustknow from him--now--the truth as to whether he had intentionally or unintentionally struck Roberta--whetherintentionally or unintentionally he had left her to die. She had read the evidence and his letters and had noted allthe defects in his testimony. But were those things as contended by Mason true or false?
　　Clyde, now as always overawed and thrown back on himself by that uncompromising and shameless honestywhich he had never been able quite to comprehend in her, announced, with all the firmness that he couldmuster--yet with a secret quavering chill in his heart--that he had sworn to the truth. He had not done thosethings with which he had been charged. He had not. But, alas, as she now said to herself, on observing him, whatwas that about his eyes--a faint flicker perhaps. He was not so sure--as self-convinced and definite as she hadhoped--as she had prayed he would be. No, no, there was something in his manner, his words, as he spoke--afaint recessive intonation, a sense of something troubled, dubious, perhaps, which quite froze her now.
　　He was not positive enough. And so he might have plotted, in part at least, as she had feared at first, when shehad first heard of this--might have even struck her on that lone, secret lake!--who could tell? (the searing,destroying power of such a thought as that). And that in the face of all his testimony to the contrary.
　　But "Jehovah, jirah, Thou wilt not require of a mother, in her own and her son's darkest hour, that she doubthim,--make sure his death through her own lack of faith? Oh, no--Thou wilt not. O Lamb of God, Thou wilt not!"She turned; she bruised under her heel the scaly head of this dark suspicion--as terrifying to her as his guilt wasto him. "O Absalom, my Absalom!" Come, come, we will not entertain such a thought. God himself would noturge it upon a mother. Was he not here--her son--before her, declaring firmly that he had not done this thing. Shemust believe--she would believe him utterly. She would--and did--whatever fiend of doubt might still remainlocked in the lowest dungeon of her miserable heart. Come, come, the public should know how she felt. She andher son would find a way. He must believe and pray. Did he have a Bible? Did he read it? And Clyde havingbeen long since provided with a Bible by a prison worker, assured her that he had and did read it.
　　But now she must go first to see his lawyers, next to file her dispatch, after which she would return. But once outon the street being immediately set upon by several reporters and eagerly questioned as to the meaning of herpresence here. Did she believe in her son's innocence? Did she or did she not think that he had had a fair trial?
　　Why had she not come on before? And Mrs. Griffiths, in her direct and earnest and motherly way, taking theminto her confidence and telling how as well as why she came to be here, also why she had not come before.
　　But now that she was here she hoped to stay. The Lord would provide the means for the salvation of her son, ofwhose innocence she was convinced. Would they not ask God to help her? Would they not pray for her success?
　　And with the several reporters not a little moved and impressed, assuring her that they would, of course, andthereafter describing her to the world at large as she was--middle-aged, homely, religious, determined, sincereand earnest and with a moving faith in the innocence of her boy.
　　But the Griffiths of Lycurgus, on hearing this, resenting her coming as one more blow. And Clyde, in his cell, onreading of it later, somewhat shocked by the gross publicity now attending everything in connection with him,yet, because of his mother's presence, resigned and after a time almost happy. Whatever her faults or defects,after all she was his mother, wasn't she? And she had come to his aid. Let the public think what it would. Was henot in the shadow of death and she at least had not deserted him. And with this, her suddenly manifested skill inconnecting herself in this way with a Denver paper, to praise her for.
　　She had never done anything like this before. And who knew but that possibly, and even in the face of her direpoverty now, she might still be able to solve this matter of a new trial for him and to save his life? Who knew?
　　And yet how much and how indifferently he had sinned against her! Oh, how much. And still here she was--his mother still anxious and tortured and yet loving and seeking to save his life by writing up his own conviction fora western paper. No longer did the shabby coat and the outlandish hat and the broad, immobile face andsomewhat stolid and crude gestures seem the racking and disturbing things they had so little time since. She washis mother and she loved him, and believed in him and was struggling to save him.
　　On the other hand Belknap and Jephson on first encountering her were by no means so much impressed. Forsome reason they had not anticipated so crude and unlettered and yet convinced a figure. The wide, flat shoes.
　　The queer hat. The old brown coat. Yet somehow, after a few moments, arrested by her earnestness and faith andlove for her son and her fixed, inquiring, and humanly clean and pure blue eyes in which dwelt immaterialconviction and sacrifice with no shadow of turning.
　　Did they personally think her son innocent? She must know that first. Or did they secretly believe that he wasguilty? She had been so tortured by all the contradictory evidence. God had laid a heavy cross upon her and hers.
　　Nevertheless, Blessed be His name! And both, seeing and feeling her great concern, were quick to assure her thatthey were convinced of Clyde's innocence. If he were executed for this alleged crime it would be a travesty onjustice.
　　Yet both, now that they saw her, troubled as to the source of any further funds, her method of getting here, whichshe now explained, indicating that she had nothing. And an appeal sure to cost not less than two thousand. AndMrs. Griffiths, after an hour in their presence, in which they made clear to her the basic cost of an appeal-coveringbriefs to be prepared, arguments, trips to be made--asserting repeatedly that she did not quite see howshe was to do. Then suddenly, and to them somewhat inconsequentially, yet movingly and dramatically,exclaiming: "The Lord will not desert me. I know it. He has declared himself unto me. It was His voice there inDenver that directed me to that paper. And now that I am here, I will trust Him and He will guide me."But Belknap and Jephson merely looking at one another in unconvinced and pagan astonishment. Such faith! Anexhorter! An Evangelist, no less! Yet to Jephson, here was an idea! There was the religious element to bereckoned with everywhere--strong in its agreement with just such faith. Assuming the Griffiths of Lycurgus toremain obdurate and unmoved--why then--why then--and now that she was here--there were the churches and thereligious people generally. Might it not be possible, with such a temperament and such faith as this, to appeal tothe very element that had hitherto most condemned Clyde and made his conviction a certainty, for fundswherewith to carry this case to the court of appeals? This lorn mother. Her faith in her boy.
　　Presto!
　　A lecture, at so much for admission, and in which, hard-pressed as she was and could show, she would set forththe righteousness of her boy's claim--seek to obtain the sympathy of the prejudiced public and incidentally twothousand dollars or more with which this appeal could be conducted.
　　And now Jephson, turning to her and laying the matter before her and offering to prepare a lecture or notes--acondensation of his various arguments--in fact, an entire lecture which she could re-arrange and present as shechose--all the data which was the ultimate, basic truth in regard to her son. And she, her brown cheeks flushingand her eyes brightening, agreeing she would do it. She would try. She could do no less than try. Verily, verily,was not this the Voice and Hand of God in the darkest hour of her tribulation?
　　On the following morning Clyde was arraigned for sentence, with Mrs. Griffiths given a seat near him andseeking, paper and pencil in hand, to make notes of, for her, an unutterable scene, while a large crowd surveyedher. His own mother! And acting as a reporter! Something absurd, grotesque, insensitive, even ludicrous, aboutsuch a family and such a scene. And to think the Griffiths of Lycurgus should be so immediately related to them.
　　Yet Clyde sustained and heartened by her presence. For had she not returned to the jail the previous afternoonwith her plan? And as soon as this was over--whatever the sentence might be--she would begin with her work.
　　And so, and that almost in spite of himself, in his darkest hour, standing up before Justice Oberwaltzer andlistening first to a brief recital of his charge and trial (which was pronounced by Oberwaltzer to have been fairand impartial), then to the customary: "Have you any cause which shows why the judgment of death should notnow be pronounced against you according to law?"--to which and to the astonishment of his mother and theauditors (if not Jephson, who had advised and urged him so to do), Clyde now in a clear and firm voice replied:
　　"I am innocent of the crime as charged in the indictment. I never killed Roberta Alden and therefore I think thissentence should not be passed."And then staring straight before him conscious only of the look of admiration and love turned on him by hismother. For had not her son now declared himself, here at this fatal moment, before all these people? And hisword here, if not in that jail, would be true, would it not? Then her son was not guilty. He was not. He was not.
　　Praised be the name of the Lord in the highest. And deciding to make a great point of this in her dispatch--so asto get it in all the papers, and in her lecture afterwards.
　　However, Oberwaltzer, without the faintest sign of surprise or perturbation, now continued: "Is there anythingelse you care to say?""No," replied Clyde, after a moment's hesitation.
　　"Clyde Griffiths," then concluded Oberwaltzer, "the judgment of the Court is that you, Clyde Griffiths, for themurder in the first degree of one, Roberta Alden, whereof you are convicted, be, and you are hereby sentenced tothe punishment of death; and it is ordered that, within ten days after this day's session of Court, the Sheriff of thiscounty of Cataraqui deliver you, together with the warrant of this Court, to the Agent and Warden of the StatePrison of the State of New York at Auburn, where you shall be kept in solitary confinement until the weekbeginning Monday the 28th day of January, 19--, and, upon some day within the week so appointed, the saidAgent and Warden of the State Prison of the State of New York at Auburn is commended to do execution uponyou, Clyde Griffiths, in the mode and manner prescribed by the laws of the State of New York."And that done, a smile from Mrs. Griffiths to her boy and an answering smile from Clyde to her. For since hehad announced that he was not guilty--HERE--her spirit had risen in the face of this sentence. He was reallyinnocent,--he must be, since he had declared it here. And Clyde because of her smile saying to himself, hismother believed in him now. She had not been swayed by all the evidence against him. And this faith, mistaken or not, was now so sustaining--so needed. What he had just said was true as he now saw it. He had not struckRoberta. That WAS true. And therefore he was not guilty. Yet Kraut and Slack were once more seizing him andescorting him to the cell.
　　Immediately thereafter his mother seating herself at a press table proceeded to explain to contiguous pressrepresentatives now curiously gathering about her: "You mustn't think too badly of me, you gentlemen of thepapers. I don't know much about this but it is the only way I could think of to be with my boy. I couldn't havecome otherwise." And then one lanky correspondent stepping up to say: "Don't worry, mother. Is there any way Ican help you? Want me to straighten out what you want to say? I'll be glad to." And then sitting down beside herand proceeding to help her arrange her impressions in the form in which he assumed her Denver paper might likethem. And others as well offering to do anything they could--and all greatly moved.
　　Two days later, the proper commitment papers having been prepared and his mother notified of the change butnot permitted to accompany him, Clyde was removed to Auburn, the Western penitentiary of the State of NewYork, where in the "death house" or "Murderers' Row," as it was called--as gloomy and torturesome an infernoas one could imagine any human compelled to endure--a combination of some twenty-two cells on two separatelevels--he was to be restrained until ordered retried or executed.
　　Yet as he traveled from Bridgeburg to this place, impressive crowds at every station--young and old--men,women and children--all seeking a glimpse of the astonishingly youthly slayer. And girls and women, under theguise of kindly interest, but which, at best, spelled little more than a desire to achieve a facile intimacy with thisdaring and romantic, if unfortunate figure, throwing him a flower here and there and calling to him gayly andloudly as the train moved out from one station or another:
　　"Hello, Clyde! Hope to see you soon again. Don't stay too long down there." "If you take an appeal, you're sureto be acquitted. We hope so, anyhow."And with Clyde not a little astonished and later even heartened by this seemingly favorable discrepancy betweenthe attitude of the crowds in Bridgeburg and this sudden, morbid, feverish and even hectic curiosity here, bowingand smiling and even waving with his hand. Yet thinking, none the less, "I am on the way to the death house andthey can be so friendly. It is a wonder they dare." And with Kraut and Sissel, his guards, because of thedistinction and notoriety of being both his captors and jailors, as well also because of these unusual attentionsfrom passengers on the train and individuals in these throngs without being themselves flattered and ennobled.
　　But after this one brief colorful flight in the open since his arrest, past these waiting throngs and over wintersunlit fields and hills of snow that reminded him of Lycurgus, Sondra, Roberta, and all that he had sokaleidoscopically and fatally known in the twenty months just past, the gray and restraining walls of Auburnitself--with, once he was presented to a clerk in the warden's office and his name and crime entered in thebooks--himself assigned to two assistants, who saw to it that he was given a prison bath and hair cut--all thewavy, black hair he so much admired cut away--a prison-striped uniform and hideous cap of the same material,prison underwear and heavy gray felt shoes to quiet the restless prison tread in which in time he might indulge,together with the number, 77221.
　　And so accoutered, immediately transferred to the death house proper, where in a cell on the ground floor he was now locked--a squarish light clean space, eight by ten feet in size and fitted with sanitary plumbing as well as acot bed, a table, a chair and a small rack for books. And here then, while he barely sensed that there were othercells about him--ranging up and down a wide hall--he first stood--and then seated himself--now no longerbuoyed by the more intimate and sociable life of the jail at Bridgeburg--or those strange throngs and scenes thathad punctuated his trip here.
　　The hectic tensity and misery of these hours! That sentence to die; that trip with all those people calling to him;that cutting of his hair downstairs in that prison barber shop--and by a convict; the suit and underwear that wasnow his and that he now had on. There was no mirror here--or anywhere,--but no matter--he could feel how helooked. This baggy coat and trousers and this striped cap. He threw it hopelessly to the floor. For but an hourbefore he had been clothed in a decent suit and shirt and tie and shoes, and his appearance had been neat andpleasing as he himself had thought as he left Bridgeburg. But now--how must he look? And to-morrow hismother would be coming--and later Jephson or Belknap, maybe. God!
　　But worse--there, in that cell directly opposite him, a sallow and emaciated and sinister-looking Chinaman in asuit exactly like his own, who had come to the bars of his door and was looking at him out of inscrutable slanteyes, but as immediately turning and scratching himself--vermin, maybe, as Clyde immediately feared. Therehad been bedbugs at Bridgeburg.
　　A Chinese murderer. For was not this the death house? But as good as himself here. And with a garb like hisown. Thank God visitors were probably not many. He had heard from his mother that scarcely any wereallowed--that only she and Belknap and Jephson and any minister he chose might come once a week. But nowthese hard, white-painted walls brightly lighted by wide unobstructed skylights by day and as he could see--byincandescent lamps in the hall without at night--yet all so different from Bridgeburg,--so much more bright orharsh illuminatively. For there, the jail being old, the walls were a gray-brown, and not very clean--the cellslarger, the furnishings more numerous--a table with a cloth on it at times, books, papers, a chess-and checkerboard--whereas here--here was nothing, these hard narrow walls--the iron bars rising to a heavy solid ceilingabove--and that very, very heavy iron door which yet--like the one at Bridgeburg, had a small hole throughwhich food would be passed, of course.
　　But just then a voice from somewhere:
　　"Hey! we got a new one wid us, fellers! Ground tier, second cell, east." And then a second voice: "You don't say.
　　Wot's he like?" And a third: "Wot's yer name, new man? Don't be scared. You ain't no worse off than the rest ofus." And then the first voice, answering number two: "Kinda tall and skinny. A kid. Looks a little like mamma'sboy, but not bad at dat. Hey, you! Tell us your name!"And Clyde, amazed and dumb and pondering. For how was one to take such an introduction as this? What tosay--what to do? Should he be friendly with these men? Yet, his instinct for tact prompting him even here toreply, most courteously and promptly: "Clyde Griffiths." And one of the first voices continuing: "Oh, sure! Weknow who you are. Welcome, Griffiths. We ain't as bad as we sound. We been readin' a lot about you, up dere inBridgeburg. We thought you'd be along pretty soon now." And another voice: "You don't want to be too down. Itain't so worse here. At least de place is all right--a roof over your head, as dey say." And then a laugh fromsomewhere.
　　But Clyde, too horrified and sickened for words, was sadly gazing at the walls and door, then over at theChinaman, who, silent at his door, was once more gazing at him. Horrible! Horrible! And they talked to eachother like that, and to a stranger among them so familiarly. No thought for his wretchedness, his strangeness, histimidity--the horror he must be suffering. But why should a murderer seem timid to any one, perhaps, ormiserable? Worst of all they had been speculating HERE as to how long it would be before he would be alongwhich meant that everything concerning him was known here. Would they nag--or bully--or make trouble forone unless one did just as they wished? If Sondra, or any one of all the people he had known, should see or evendream of him as he was here now . . . God!--And his own mother was coming to-morrow.
　　And then an hour later, now evening, a tall, cadaverous guard in a more pleasing uniform, putting an iron traywith food on it through that hole in the door. Food! And for him here. And that sallow, rickety Chinaman overthe way taking his. Whom had he murdered? How? And then the savage scraping of iron trays in the variouscells! Sounds that reminded him more of hungry animals being fed than men. And some of these men wereactually talking as they ate and scraped. It sickened him.
　　"Gee! It's a wonder them guys in the mush gallery couldn't think of somepin else besides cold beans and friedpotatoes and coffee.""The coffee tonight . . . oh, boy! . . . Now in the jail at Buffalo--though . . .""Oh, cut it out," came from another corner. "We've heard enough about the jail at Buffalo and your swell chow.
　　You don't show any afternoon tea appetite around here, I notice.""Just the same," continued the first voice, "as I look back on't now, it musta been pretty good. Dat's a way itseems, anyhow, now.""Oh, Rafferty, do let up," called still another.
　　And then, presumably "Rafferty" once more, who said: "Now, I'll just take a little siesta after dis--and den I'll callme chauffeur and go for a little spin. De air to-night must be fine."Then from still another hoarse voice: "Oh, you with your sick imagination. Say, I'd give me life for a smoker.
　　And den a good game of cards.""Do they play cards here?" thought Clyde.
　　"I suppose since Rosenstein was defeated for mayor here he won't play.""Won't he, though?" This presumably from Rosenstein.
　　To Clyde's left, in the cell next to him, a voice, to a passing guard, low and yet distinctly audible: "Psst! Anyword from Albany yet?""No word, Herman.""And no letter, I suppose.""No letter."The voice was very strained, very tense, very miserable, and after this, silence.
　　A moment later, from another cell farther off, a voice from the lowest hell to which a soul can descend--completeand unutterable despair--"Oh, my God! Oh, my God! Oh, my God!"And then from the tier above another voice: "Oh, Jesus! Is that farmer going to begin again? I can't stand it.
　　Guard! Guard! Can't you get some dope for that guy?"Once more the voice from the lowest: "Oh, my God! Oh, my God! Oh, my God!"Clyde was up, his fingers clinched. His nerves were as taut as cords about to snap. A murderer! And about to die,perhaps. Or grieving over some terrible thing like his own fate. Moaning--as he in spirit at least had so oftenmoaned there in Bridgeburg. Crying like that! God! And there must be others!
　　And day after day and night after night more of this, no doubt, until, maybe--who could tell--unless. But, oh, no!
　　Oh, no! Not himself--not that--not his day. Oh, no. A whole year must elapse before that could possibly happen-orso Jephson had said. Maybe two. But, at that--! . . . in two years!!! He found himself stricken with an aguebecause of the thought that even in so brief a time as two years. . . .
　　That other room! It was in here somewhere too. This room was connected with it. He knew that. There was adoor. It led to that chair. THAT CHAIR.
　　And then the voice again, as before, "Oh, my God! Oh, my God!"He sank to his couch and covered his ears with his hands.
第二十八章
十二月八日午夜过后,一列缓缓行驶的火车,把一位疲惫不堪、精神恍惚的女人送到了布里奇伯格车站.寒气袭人,群星灿烂.站上一个孤零零的值班员在回答她的询问时,给她指出了到布里奇伯格中央旅馆去的方向——沿着她面前这条街一直走,到第二条街口往左拐,再走过两个街区就到.中央旅馆一个很想打盹儿的值夜班职员,马上给她开了一个房间;而且,一知道她的身份,就赶紧指点她到本县监狱去的路径.不过,她又转念一想,觉得现在这个时间不合适.也许他正在睡觉.于是,她先睡了,等天一亮就起身.反正她已经给他拍过好几个电报了.他知道她肯定会来的.
转天清晨七点钟,她就起身了,八点钟手里持有信件、电报和证明文件来到了监狱.监狱官员们查看过她持有的信件,验明了她的身份以后,就派人通知克莱德说他母亲来了.这时,他正心灰意懒,绝望透顶,一听到这个消息,想到要跟母亲晤面,心里就很高兴,尽管开头的时候他对她的来到怕得要死.因为,如今情况已经大变了.所有这些冗长、骇人的事实经过,几乎已是尽人皆知了.此外还有杰夫森给他编造的那一套好象很有道理的说法,现在也许他敢于面对母亲,毫不迟疑地把真相告诉她,说:——他既不是蓄意害死罗伯达的,也没有存心让她淹死.接着,他就赶紧朝来访者接待室走去.承蒙斯拉克的特许,他可以在那里单独跟他母亲晤谈.
一进门他就看见母亲迎面站了起来,便冲她急奔过去.他心里乱成一团,而又疑虑重重,但他又深信,他可以在她心中找到庇护、同情、也许还有帮助,而且不会遭到非难.他好象嗓子眼被哽住了似的,拚命使劲才喊了一声:"啊,妈妈!你来了,我可高兴极了."不过,她也太激动了,连话儿都说不出来——她只是把她这个被定了罪的孩子紧搂在自己怀里——让他的头搁在自己肩头上.随后,她才抬头仰望苍天.主已经给了她这么多的恩惠.为什么不多给一些呢?让她的儿子最后获释——哪怕至少也得进行复审——把所有一切有利于他的证据公正地加以检验一番(当然罗,过去法庭上一直还没有这么做).他们母子俩就这样纹丝不动,伫立了一会儿.
随后,讲到有关家里的消息——宣判时还得跟他一起出庭——克莱德一听了这些话就打了个寒颤.反正现在他听她说,他的命运大概全得靠她孤身拚搏了.莱柯格斯的格里菲思家,为了他们自己着想,已经决定再也不帮助他了.不过她呀——要是她能面向全世界发出正义呼吁——也许还能拯救他.主不是一直在保佑她吗?不过,为了能向全世界以及主发出她正义的呼吁,此时此地他必须向她说明真相——马上就说明——他究竟是故意还是无意之中砸了罗伯达——他究竟是故意还是无意之中让她淹死了.那些证据,还有他寄来的信,她全看过了;连同他证词里所有纰漏,她也都觉察到了.不过,梅森所说的这些问题,究竟是真的还是假的呢?
克莱德对她这种绝不妥协、毫不留情的坦率性格,如同过去一样完全不能理解,但同时却又感到敬畏与羞愧.因此,他尽量表现得非常坚决——哪怕心里还是在暗中瑟缩——说他起誓以后所说的全都是真话.人家指控他的那些事情,他都没有干过.他可没有干过.可是,天哪,她仔细打量他时,心里却在思忖,他那眼睛里怎么会一闪一闪的——也是某种不可捉摸的阴影吧.他自己并不感到那么有信心——不象她所希望的那么自信,那么坚定——更不象她祈祷时希望他应该表现的那样.不,不,他的举止表现和言词里还有——一丁点儿支吾搪塞的腔调,一种困惑不安、也许是迟疑的色彩;一想到这些,她一下子浑身发冷了.
他表现还不够坚定.这么说来,他也许是故意的,至少是有一点儿——她头一次听到这个消息时所担心的正是这一点——他也许就在那个荒凉、冷僻的湖上砸了她!谁能说得准呢?(这一类的揣想,真让人五内俱裂啊.)而在他作过的所有证词里,他都说不是这么一回事.
可是,"耶和华啊,你是不允许做母亲的在她自己和她儿子最黑暗的时刻去怀疑自己的儿子,你是不允许由于母亲自己缺乏信心而肯定儿子被判死罪吧?啊,不——你是不允许这样的.啊,耶稣基督呀,你是不允许这样的!"她把脸扭过去,竭力消除自己鳞片似的额头上阴暗的疑虑的影子——她害怕这种疑虑,如同他害怕自己的罪行一般."啊,押沙龙①,我的押沙龙!得了,得了,我们可不该有这么一种念头呀.上帝也不会硬要一个做母亲的非有这念头不可呀."他——她的儿子——不是就在这里,在她面前,坚称他没有干过这件事吗?她应该相信他——而且她也会完全相信他.她会相信——她也果真相信了——哪怕是在她可怜的心头深处,还躲藏着怀疑的魔鬼.得了,得了,广大公众应该知道她做母亲的对这一切是怎么想的呀.她和她的儿子一定会寻摸到一条出路的.他应该坚信不移,虔心祈祷.他有没有《圣经》?他念过没有?监狱里一个职工早就把《圣经》给了克莱德.因此,他赶紧安慰她,说《圣经》他是有的,而且还念过哩.
①押沙龙是《圣经·旧约》中一人物,大卫王之宠儿,后因反叛其父被杀,大卫闻讯后恸哭不已.见《圣经·旧约·撒母耳记下》.
不过现在,她必须先去找他的辩护律师谈谈,其次把她的头一篇通讯报道发出去,然后再回来.可是,她刚要往外走,好几位记者马上围住了她,急急乎问她上这里来有何打算?她相信不相信她的儿子是无辜的?她认为对她儿子的审判是很公正,还是不公正?为什么她没有早点来?格里菲思太太就以她常有的那种坦率、诚挚和母性的亲切感给他们说了心里话:她是怎么来的,为什么要来,还有她为什么不能早点来.
不过现在她既然已经来了,希望自己不要马上就走.主一定会指点她去拯救她的儿子.她坚信他是无辜的.也许他们会祈求上帝来帮助她?也许他们会祈求上帝让她马到成功?有好几位记者非常激动,向她保证说他们当然会这么祈祷的.随后,他们还向千百万读者描述了她是怎么一个人:一个中年妇女,相貌一般,虔信宗教,意志坚决,诚挚热忱,而且令人感动的是,她坚信她的儿子是无辜的.
不料,莱柯格斯的格里菲思家一听到这条消息,愤怒地认为:她上这里来,对他们是又一次打击.后来,克莱德在牢房里看到这些报道,凡是有关他的事,现在都被大肆渲染,简直不堪入目,他颇受震惊.不过,既然他母亲来了,他心里也多少有些宽慰.过了半晌.他几乎觉得更加高兴.不管她有她的过错或是缺憾,但她毕竟是他的母亲,可不是吗?何况她这是来拯救他的.让外界爱怎么想就怎么想得了.当死亡的阴影笼罩他头上的时候,母亲她至少并没有抛弃他.再加上她突然大显身手,让自己跟丹佛的一家报社建立这么一种关系,难道说不该大声赞美她吗.
在这以前,她从来没有做过这类事.现在即便是她已到了穷途末路,说不定还能替他解决复审的问题,救他一命哩.这事有谁说得准呢?有谁说得准呢?可是在过去,他却大大地得罪过她!冷淡过她!啊,这是多大的罪过啊!不过,她到底还是赶到这里来了——他母亲依然是那么心焦火燎,那么饱受痛苦,还是那么满怀慈爱,为了拯救他的生命,准备给西部一家报社撰写有关他被判罪的详细报道.她那破烂的外套,奇形怪状的帽子,呆滞不动的大脸盘,以及有些呆头呆脑、粗鲁生硬的姿式,现在都没有象不久以前使克莱德恼羞成怒了.她毕竟是他的母亲;她疼爱他,信赖他,还为了营救他而拚搏着.
然而,贝尔纳普和杰夫森初次见到她的时候,印象却绝对没有这么深.不知怎的他们并没有料到会碰上这么一个粗鲁、文化不高,可又坚信不渝的人.瞧她那双平底圆头鞋,那顶怪得出奇的帽子,还有那件破旧的棕色大衣.可是过了半晌,不知怎的让他们着了迷的,竟是她的那种恳切、虔信和慈爱,她的那一双清澈、纯洁的蓝眼睛里透出坚定、好问而富有人情味的神色,一望可知她心中充满了确信和奉献的决心,一丁点儿动摇的阴影也没有.
他们自己是不是认为她的儿子是无辜的?这一点她首先要了解清楚.还是他们暗底里却相信他有罪?所有那些相互矛盾的证据,已折磨得她够呛.上帝已把沉重的十字架得到她和她的亲人身上.不过还得颂扬他的名!他们两人都了解到和感觉到她心焦如焚,就赶紧安慰她,说他们坚信克莱德是无辜的.要是他以莫须有的罪名被判处死刑,那对正义来说真是大大的歪曲了.
不过,现在他们两人跟她见面后最发愁的,却是对今后办案资金来源问题.听了她说自己是怎样到布里奇伯格来的,显而易见,她是身无分文.而上诉的费用肯定不会少于两千美元.格里菲思太太跟他们谈了足足一个钟头;倘要上诉,他们向她详细地算了一笔帐,最起码包括给辩护律师必须准备的案情摘要抄件、辩论提纲、必不可少的差旅费等等,而格里菲思太太只是一个劲儿重复说她可不知道该怎么办才好.稍后,她突然大声嚷嚷,在他们看来,简直可以说是前言不搭后语的,可是很动人,而又富于戏剧性,她说:"主决不会抛弃我.这我可知道.他已经向我昭告了他的旨意.正是他的声音指点我到丹佛那家报社去的.现在,我已经来到了这儿,我可要相信他,他一定会指引我的."
不料,贝尔纳普和杰夫森仅仅是面面相觑,露出异教徒的怀疑和惊诧神色.如此相信那一套!好象被鬼迷住了似的!好一个不折不扣的福音传教士!可是,杰夫森突然灵机一动,有好点子了!公众里头的宗教感情——不能不认为是很有分量的因素——如此狂热的信仰,不论到哪儿总能得到响应.假定说莱柯格斯的格里菲思家还是那样冷酷无情,那样无动于衷——那末——哦,那末——哦,反正现在她人已经来了——这儿有的是教堂和教徒呀.过去就是这一拨会众指责克莱德最力,并让他势必被判为死罪.现在,为什么不能利用她的这种秉性和她的这种信念,向这一拨会众呼吁募捐,把本案提到上诉法院去呢?这个孤苦伶仃的母亲呀!她对她的儿子就是深信不疑!
赶快动起来吧.
来一次公开演讲,入场票价要定得高些.她已是如此窘困不堪,谁都一望可知;她不妨在会上替儿子大声疾呼,伸张正义——设法争取那些持有偏见的公众的同情,顺便还可以收入两千块美元,说不定会更多些.有了这笔钱,要上诉就好办了.
这时,杰夫森就侧过脸去,把这个点子告诉了她,并说愿意替她拟定一份演讲稿或是一些提要——也是他辩护发言的节录——事实上乃是演讲稿全文.她还可以照自己意思重新组合一下,然后向公众讲讲——所有这些材料,最能说明她儿子案情的基本真相.于是,她那棕色脸颊泛上了红晕,眼睛也明亮起来,她同意就照这样办.让她试试看.她也非得试试看不可.在她多灾多难最黑暗的时刻,难道说这不就是上帝真的向她发出的声音和向她伸出巨掌来了吗?
转天早上,克莱德被押上法庭听候宣判.格里菲思太太被指定坐在靠近他的座位上,手里拿着纸和笔,要把这种对她来说难以忍受的场面记下来,而四周围大批听众却在仔细端详她.他亲生的母亲!还作为一名记者出庭!母与子这么一家人,出现在这么一个场合,真是有点儿怪诞、无情,甚至很荒唐.只要想一想莱柯格斯的格里菲思家跟他们竟然还是近亲哩.
可是,她的出庭却使克莱德得到了支持和鼓舞.昨天下午,她不是又去过监狱,向他谈过她的计划吗?等开庭完了——不管是怎样宣判的——她就要开始干起来了.
因此,当他一生中最可怖的时刻终于来到了的时候,他几乎有些身不由己地站到奥伯沃泽法官跟前;法官首先简短扼要向他叙述了有关他的罪行以及审讯经过(据奥伯沃泽说,审讯是公正不阿的).接下来是照例问他:"你有什么理由,认为现在不应该依法判处你死刑?"让他母亲和听众(但是杰夫森例外,因为是他关照过和撺掇过克莱德该这么回答的)大吃一惊的是,克莱德竟以干脆利落的声音回答说:
"公诉书上控告我有罪,可我是无罪的.我从来没有害死过罗伯达·奥尔登.因此,我认为不该作出这么一个判决."
说罢,他两眼瞪着前方,仿佛感觉到的只是他母亲向他投去的那赞许和慈爱的一瞥.要知道在这个致命的关键时刻,她儿子不是已经当着所有这些听众的面表态了吗?先不管他在监狱里说的话,他在这里说的是真话,可不是吗?这么说来,她的儿子并没有罪.他并没有罪.赞美至高无上的主的名.她马上决定要在她的通讯报道里——还有日后在她的公开演讲里——都要特别强调指出这一点——让所有的报刊都照登不误.
不料,奥伯沃泽竟然毫无惊诧不安的神色,继续说道:"你还有别的什么话要说吗?"
"没有,"克莱德迟疑了半晌,回答说.
"克莱德·格里菲思,"于是,奥伯沃泽宣布结论说,"本庭宣判:你,克莱德·格里菲思,因谋杀罗伯达·奥尔登,现被判处死刑.兹规定自本庭判决后十日以内,卡塔拉基县执法官应随同证明无误的本庭判决书的副本,将你移送给奥伯恩纽约州监狱典狱长,单独关押至一九……年一月二十八日星期一开始的这一周为止,并委托奥伯恩纽约州监狱典狱长在这一周里指定的某一天,依照纽约州法令对你,克莱德·格里菲思,执行死刑."
宣读完毕,格里菲思太太向她儿子微微一笑,克莱德也向她报以一笑.因为,他既然已——在这里——声明自己无罪,所以宣判时她的精神亢奋起来.说实在的,他是无辜的——他不可能不是这样的,反正他已在这里声明过了.克莱德看见刚才她微微一笑,就自言自语道:是的,现在他母亲一定相信他了.所有这一切不利于他的证据,都没有使她的信念动摇.而这种信念,不管是不是错了,在这时候对他就是莫大支持——也正是他所迫切需要的.现在他自己认为,他刚才说的才是真话.他并没有砸过罗伯达.这是千真万确的.这就意味着,他是无罪的.可是,现在克劳特和斯拉克又把他押回牢房了.
这时,他母亲坐在记者席的桌子旁,向好奇地围住她的记者们解释道:"你们各报记者先生们,你们可千万不要指责我.这个案子我并不太了解,不过,我要跟我的孩子在一起,我只好采用这个办法.要不是这样,我就来不了这里."于是,一个身材颀长的记者走拢来说:"别发愁,妈妈.有什么事要我帮忙吗?您有什么话要说的,要我帮您整理一下吗?我非常乐意."说完,他就挨在她身旁坐下,按照他认为丹佛报社最欢迎的形式帮着她把她的印象整理成文.别的一些记者也表示愿意尽力效劳——他们全都感动极了.
两天以后,有关收监的公文备妥了,同时也通知了他的母亲,但是不准她陪同儿子入狱.于是,克莱德就被押往奥伯恩,那是纽约州西部一座监狱,关在那里号称"死牢"或是"杀人犯囚室"里——人们可以想象得到,那简直有如阴森可怖的地狱——那里总共有二十二间牢房,分设在两个楼面——他就被关在里头,听候复审,或是处以死刑.
不过,列车从布里奇伯格开往奥伯恩的途中,每到一站,就有大批好奇的群众——男男女女,老老少少——全都想一睹这个极不平凡的年轻凶手.姑娘们和女人们,其实最多只不过想就近看一看这个尽管以失败告终但是斗胆包天、罗曼蒂克的英雄,可还是佯装出挺好心的样子来.每当列车从一个车站开到另一个车站的时候,她们常常向克莱德投掷鲜花,还兴高采烈地大声喊道:
"哈罗,克莱德!但愿后会有期.别在那儿滞留太久呀!""只要上诉,您肯定会无罪获释.反正我们巴不得这样."
让克莱德先是大吃一惊、继而深受鼓舞的,是这里人们突然表现出很不健康的、兴高采烈的、甚至是狂热的好奇心,显然跟布里奇伯格公众的态度大相径庭,但毕竟还是对他有利的.所以,他就向他们点头、微笑,有时甚至还向他们挥挥手哩.尽管如此,可他心里还是在想:"我正在通往死屋的路上,但他们还这么友好地向我招呼.他们可真胆大呀."克劳特和西塞尔这两个押解他的人,因为意识到自己既是抓住他,又是看押他的人,一身两役,深感荣幸,而且列车上的旅客和列车外的群众都对他们刮目相看,瞧他们得意极了,觉得自己高人一等了.
这是他被捕以后头一次时间虽短,但很丰富多采的迁徙.打从他眼前掠过的,是正在鹄望等候的群众,以及被冬日里阳光照亮的田野和白雪皑皑的山冈,使他回想到莱柯格斯,桑德拉和罗伯达,以及刚过去的一年零八个月里有如万花筒式千变万化而又使他在劫难逃并终于落到这么一个结局的所有一切遭际.而这次移解一结束,出现在他眼前的,就是奥伯恩这座监狱,与世隔绝的高墙——他被移交给典狱长办公室一位职员以后,他的名字和罪行即被登记入册,随后把他交给两名助手,让他们安排他去监狱浴室洗澡、剃头——他历来孤芳自赏的、乌黑的波浪型秀发一古脑儿给剃掉了——又给了他一套带条纹的囚服、一顶用同样带条纹面料做的、让人恶心的帽子、一件囚犯穿的内衣、一双灰色厚毡鞋(有时他惴惴不安地在牢房里来回走动,就可以听不见脚步声),还有他的代号:
77221.
他就这么穿戴好了以后,立即被送进死牢,关在底楼一间牢房里——这地方几乎呈正方形,八英尺宽,十英尺长,明亮,洁净,除了备有抽水马桶以外,还有一张小铁床、一张小桌子、一把椅子和一个小书架.现在他终于来到了这里.他只是模糊不清地觉得四周围还有其他牢房——沿着一条宽宽的过道,上上下下都是一排排牢房——他先是站了一会儿——然后坐了下来——记得在布里奇伯格监狱里,还有一些比较生动活泼、比较富于人情味的亲切感,现在连一点影儿都没有了.他一路上碰到的那些奇怪的群众与喧闹的场面,现在也通通没有了.
过去那些时刻里的极度紧张和痛苦!那个死刑的判决;这次移押一路上碰到大声喧闹的群众;在底楼囚犯理发室把他的头发给剃了——还是另一个囚犯给他剃的.这套囚服、这件内衣,现在算是他的了,而且从今以后他就得每天穿在身上了.这儿没有镜子——到哪儿都没有——不过也没有什么了不起——反正他知道自己现在是个啥样子.这鼓鼓囊囊的上衣和裤子,还有这带条纹的帽子.他在绝望之余,把它摘下来,往地上一扔.仅仅一个钟头以前,他还是衣冠楚楚地穿着体面衣服、衬衫、领带、鞋子.离开布里奇伯格时,他还觉得自己仪态雅洁,惹人喜爱.可是此刻——谅他一定丑死了!而明天,他母亲要来了——过后,也许杰夫森或是贝尔纳普也要来.老天哪!
可是还有更糟的呢——跟他正对面的一间牢房里,有一个肌肤灰黄、面色消瘦、样子挺怪的中国人,身上也跟他一样穿上带条纹的囚服,走到自己牢门口铁拦杆旁,那一对莫测高深的斜白眼正在瞅着他.不过,此人马上又转过身去,使劲搔痒起来——克莱德立刻想到,说不定是虱子吧.在布里奇伯格就有臭虫嘛.
一个中国人——杀人犯.难道这儿不就是死牢吗.在这儿,他们两人之间压根儿没有任何区别.连穿的衣服也一式一样.谢天谢地,来这儿探监的说不定也不太多吧.他听母亲说过,这里几乎是谁都不准进来的——还说只有她、贝尔纳普、杰夫森和他自己认可的牧师,方才可以每星期来探望一次.而这些铁面无情、刷成白色的墙壁,他看见白日里被宽大的天窗里透进来的阳光照得锃亮,夜里又给过道里白炽灯照得雪亮.可是,这一切跟布里奇伯格几乎不大一样——却是更加明亮、刺眼.在那儿,监狱年久失修,墙壁呈淡棕色,很不干净——牢房面积比较大一些,家具也多些——有一张小桌子,有时还铺上桌布;有书报,有棋子和棋盘.可在这里呢——这里什么都没有.只有铁面无私、又狭又窄的墙壁——铁栏杆一直顶到坚硬厚实的天花板——还有非常、非常沉重的铁门,不过,如同布里奇伯格的铁门一样,上面有个小洞.当然罗,吃食都是从这里塞进来的.
可是就在这时,不知道从哪儿传来一个声音:
"嘿!伙计们,又进来一个新的!底楼,二号牢房,东头."又响起了第二个声音:"真的吗?什么样儿的?"接下来是第三个声音:"新来的,叫什么名字?别害怕.你跟我们全是难兄难弟呗."稍后,头一个声音回答第二个声音:"好象是个瘦高个儿.一个小伢儿.看起来还象个小毛头,反正那也不赖.喂,你呀!名字报给我们听!"
克莱德大吃一惊,怔呆了,可心里却在暗自琢磨.对这种见面方式,究竟该怎么对付呢?该怎么说——怎么办?该不该跟这拨人和和气气?可是,他那圆通的本能即便在这里也没有离身,他赶紧彬彬有礼地回答说:"克莱德·格里菲思."头几个声音里头有一个声音就接茬说:"啊,准没错!你是谁,我们全都听说过了.欢迎,欢迎,格里菲思.我们并没有象人们想象的那么可怕.关于你在布里奇伯格的事,我们在报上全看过了.我们心里琢磨,你也该快来啦."另一个声音却说:"别太灰心丧气,伙计.这儿倒也并不太差劲.至少房子还不错——反正俗语说得好,头上有屋顶,冷风刮不着呗."接着,不知从哪儿传来一阵格格大笑声.
可是,克莱德委实又害怕、又恶心,连话儿都不想说.他伤心地两眼先是盯着墙壁、牢门,然后盯着对过那个中国人——此人一气不吭在自己牢门口,两眼又直盯住克莱德.多吓人!多吓人!他们彼此之间竟然是这么交谈的,见了陌生人,也是一见如故.压根儿也不想到他的不幸、他的茫然若失、他的胆小——以及他经历过的痛苦.不过话又说回来,杀人犯干吗见了人就该提心吊胆,或者可怜巴巴的呢?最可怕的是:他们这儿早就在琢磨什么时候他来跟他们作伴儿.这就是说,一切有关他的事,这儿已是尽人皆知了.如果说他不听话,也许他们就会捉弄他——或是吓唬他——或是故意找他的岔儿呢?桑德拉或是不管他认识的哪一个人,要是亲眼看到,或是乃至于想到目前他在这儿的处境……天哪!赶明儿他亲生的母亲就要到这儿来了.
过了一个钟头以后,已是薄暮时分了,一个身材高大、脸色灰白的狱警,穿着一套还算不太扎眼的制服,从门洞里塞进去一只盛食物的铁盘子.这就是晚餐呀!而且是给他的.对过那个又黄又瘦的中国人,正在进晚餐呢.谁被他杀死了?又是怎么杀死的呢?这时响起了各间牢房里狠刮铁盘子的声音!这种声音一下子使他想到的,是在向饥饿的牲口喂食,而不象是人们在进餐.有些人竟然一面在狼吞虎咽地吃,一面在舔刮铁盘子,一面还在谈山海经呢.他简直感到恶心透顶."嘿,伙房里那一帮子人,除了冷豆、咖啡、炸土豆以外,什么也想不出来,真是见鬼去吧."
"今儿晚上的咖啡……喂,伙计!……在布法罗监狱的时候——尽管……"
"啊,得了吧,快住嘴,"另一个角落里有人在大声嚷嚷."什么布法罗监狱里,你吃的多阔气呀,我们早已听腻了.我说,你到了这儿,也不见得没有胃口吧."
"反正不管怎么说,"头一个声音接下去说,"现在回想过去,的确够惬意啦.至少现在看起来还是这样."
"哦,拉弗蒂,算了吧,"另一个人高声喊道.那个大概叫"拉弗蒂"的人还是不甘心,又说:"现在,饭后我可得小睡一会儿——随后,我关照汽车夫,车子开过来,去兜兜风.今儿晚上多迷人呀."
接下来是另一个嗓子嘶哑的声音:"嘿,你这是在做白日梦.我呀把命豁出去了,只要能抽上一口烟就行.然后笃悠悠,玩玩纸牌."
"难道说他们在这儿也玩纸牌?"克莱德暗自思忖道.
"我说,罗森斯坦输得精光以后,也就不玩纸牌了."
"哦,是吗?"这大概是罗森斯坦在回话.
克莱德左边的牢房里有一个声音对走过的狱警在低声说话,但还是让人听得很清楚:"喂,奥尔巴尼捎话来吗?"
"什么话都没有,赫尔曼."
"我说,连信也没有吧?"
"没有信."
听得出那一问一答,声音非常紧张、急迫、可怜,在这以后也就鸦雀无声了.
过了半晌,从老远的一间牢房里传来一个声音,是来自人间地狱充满难以表达的极端绝望的声音——"哦,我的天哪!
哦,我的天哪!哦,我的天哪!"
稍后,楼上传来了另一个声音:"哦,天哪!这个泥腿子又闹起来了?我可受不了.警卫!警卫!能不能给那家伙一点儿安眠药?"
又听到最底层的声音:"哦,我的天哪!哦,我的天哪!哦,我的天哪!"
克莱德站了起来,两手紧攥着.他的神经紧张得象快要绷裂的弦.一个杀人犯!也许就要死了.要不然就是为了如同他克莱德一样可悲的命运而伤心.他在呻吟哭泣——就象他克莱德在布里奇伯格常常呻吟哭泣一样,至少在精神上.如此号啕大哭!天哪!在这儿一定不止只有他一个人是这样.于是,日日夜夜,类似这样的场面还有的是,毫无疑问,一直要到,也许……有谁说得清呢——除非——,可是,哦,不!哦,不!不是他本人的——不是的——决不是他的日子已到了.哦,不.在这可能发生以前,还得有整整一年时间——至少杰夫森是这么说.也许还得有两年时间.可是,在这——!……而且是在两年以内啊!!!他全身打了个寒颤,因为他一想到,哪怕是在那么短暂的两年里头……
那另一个房间!它也是不知在这儿哪个地方呀.反正这个房间就是跟它连在一起的.这他知道.那儿有一道门.通往那张电椅.那张电椅.
于是,那声音象刚才一样又说:"哦,我的天哪!哦,我的天哪!"
他倒在铁床上,两手捂住自己的耳朵.
回复 引用 新鲜事
顶端
司凌。

ZxID：9742737

2429874鲜花 36鸡蛋

等级: 派派版主
配偶: 此微夜
原名：独爱穿越。
举报 只看该作者 98楼  发表于: 2013-10-25 0

Part 3 Chapter 29
The "death house" in this particular prison was one of those crass erections and maintenances of humaninsensitiveness and stupidity principally for which no one primarily was really responsible. Indeed, its total planand procedure were the results of a series of primary legislative enactments, followed by decisions andcompulsions as devised by the temperaments and seeming necessities of various wardens, until at last--bydegrees and without anything worthy of the name of thinking on any one's part--there had been gathered and wasnow being enforced all that could possibly be imagined in the way of unnecessary and really unauthorizedcruelty or stupid and destructive torture. And to the end that a man, once condemned by a jury, would becompelled to suffer not alone the death for which his sentence called, but a thousand others before that. For the very room by its arrangement, as well as the rules governing the lives and actions of the inmates, was sufficientto bring about this torture, willy-nilly.
　　It was a room thirty by fifty feet, of stone and concrete and steel, and surmounted some thirty feet from the floorby a skylight. Presumably an improvement over an older and worse death house, with which it was stillconnected by a door, it was divided lengthwise by a broad passage, along which, on the ground floor, weretwelve cells, six on a side and eight by ten each and facing each other. And above again a second tier of whatwere known as balcony cells--five on a side.
　　There was, however, at the center of this main passage--and dividing these lower cells equally as to number--asecond and narrower passage, which at one end gave into what was now known as the Old Death House (whereat present only visitors to the inmates of the new Death House were received), and at the other into the executionroom in which stood the electric chair. Two of the cells on the lower passage--those at the junction of thenarrower passage--faced the execution-room door. The two opposite these, on the corresponding corners, facedthe passage that gave into the Old Death House or what now by a large stretch of the imagination, could becalled the condemned men's reception room, where twice weekly an immediate relative or a lawyer might bemet. But no others.
　　In the Old Death House (or present reception room), the cells still there, and an integral part of this receptionplan, were all in a row and on one side only of a corridor, thus preventing prying inspection by one inmate ofanother, and with a wire screen in front as well as green shades which might be drawn in front of each cell. For,in an older day, whenever a new convict arrived or departed, or took his daily walk, or went for his bath, or wasled eventually through the little iron door to the west where formerly was the execution chamber, these shadeswere drawn. He was not supposed to be seen by his associates. Yet the old death house, because of this verycourtesy and privacy, although intense solitude, was later deemed inhuman and hence this newer and better deathhouse, as the thoughtful and condescending authorities saw it, was devised.
　　In this, to be sure, were no such small and gloomy cells as those which characterized the old, for there the ceilingwas low and the sanitary arrangements wretched, whereas in the new one the ceiling was high, the rooms andcorridors brightly lighted and in every instance no less than eight by ten feet in size. But by contrast with theolder room, they had the enormous disadvantage of the unscreened if not uncurtained cell doors.
　　Besides, by housing all together in two such tiers as were here, it placed upon each convict the compulsion ofenduring all the horrors of all the vicious, morbid or completely collapsed and despairing temperaments abouthim. No true privacy of any kind. By day--a blaze of light pouring through an over-arching skylight high abovethe walls. By night--glistening incandescents of large size and power which flooded each nook and cranny of thevarious cells. No privacy, no games other than cards and checkers--the only ones playable without releasing theprisoners from their cells. Books, newspapers, to be sure, for all who could read or enjoy them under thecircumstances. And visits--mornings and afternoons, as a rule, from a priest, and less regularly from a rabbi anda Protestant minister, each offering his sympathies or services to such as would accept them.
　　But the curse of the place was not because of these advantages, such as they were, but in spite of them--thisunremitted contact, as any one could see, with minds now terrorized and discolored by the thought of anapproaching death that was so near for many that it was as an icy hand upon the brow or shoulder. And none- whatever the bravado--capable of enduring it without mental or physical deterioration in some form. Theglooms--the strains--the indefinable terrors and despairs that blew like winds or breaths about this place anddepressed or terrorized all by turns! They were manifest at the most unexpected moments, by curses, sighs, tearseven, calls for a song--for God's sake!--or the most unintended and unexpected yells or groans. Worse yet, andproductive of perhaps the most grinding and destroying of all the miseries here--the transverse passage leadingbetween the old death house on the one hand and the execution-chamber on the other. For this from time totime--alas, how frequently--was the scene or stage for at least a part of the tragedy that was here so regularlyenacted--the final business of execution.
　　For through this passage, on his last day, a man was transferred from his BETTER cell in the new building,where he might have been incarcerated for so much as a year or two, to one of the older ones in the old deathhouse, in order that he might spend his last hours in solitude, although compelled at the final moment, none-theless(the death march), to retrace his steps along this narrower cross passage--and where all might see--into theexecution chamber at the other end of it.
　　Also at any time, in going to visit a lawyer or relative brought into the old death house for this purpose, it wasnecessary to pass along the middle passage to this smaller one and so into the old death house, there to be housedin a cell, fronted by a wire screen two feet distant, between which and the cell proper a guard must sit while aprisoner and his guest (wife, son, mother, daughter, brother, lawyer) should converse--the guard hearing all. Nohand-clasps, no kisses, no friendly touches of any kind--not even an intimate word that a listening guard mightnot hear. And when the fatal hour for any one had at last arrived, every prisoner--if sinister or simple, sensitive orof rugged texture--was actually if not intentionally compelled to hear if not witness the final preparations--theremoval of the condemned man to one of the cells of the older death house, the final and perhaps weeping visitof a mother, son, daughter, father.
　　No thought in either the planning or the practice of all this of the unnecessary and unfair torture for those whowere brought here, not to be promptly executed, by any means, but rather to be held until the higher courtsshould have passed upon the merits of their cases--an appeal.
　　At first, of course, Clyde sensed little if anything of all this. In so far as his first day was concerned, he had buttasted the veriest spoonful of it all. And to lighten or darken his burden his mother came at noon the very nextday. Not having been permitted to accompany him, she had waited over for a final conference with Belknap andJephson, as well as to write in full her personal impressions in connection with her son's departure--(Thosenervously searing impressions!) And although anxious to find a room somewhere near the penitentiary, shehurried first to the office of the penitentiary immediately upon her arrival at Auburn and, after presenting anorder from Justice Oberwaltzer as well as a solicitous letter from Belknap and Jephson urging the courtesy of aprivate interview with Clyde to begin with at least, she was permitted to see her son in a room entirely apart fromthe old death house. For already the warden himself had been reading of her activities and sacrifices and wasinterested in seeing not only her but Clyde also.
　　But so shaken was she by Clyde's so sudden and amazingly changed appearance here that she could scarcelyspeak upon his entrance, even in recognition of him, so blanched and gray were his cheeks and so shadowy andstrained his eyes. His head clipped that way! This uniform! And in this dreadful place of iron gates and locks andlong passages with uniformed guards at every turn!
　　For a moment she winced and trembled, quite faint under the strain, although previous to this she had enteredmany a jail and larger prison--in Kansas City, Chicago, Denver--and delivered tracts and exhortations andproffered her services in connection with anything she might do. But this--this! Her own son! Her broad, strongbosom began to heave. She looked, and then turned her heavy, broad back to hide her face for the nonce. Her lipsand chin quivered. She began to fumble in the small bag she carried for her handkerchief at the same time thatshe was muttering to herself: "My God--why hast Thou forsaken me?" But even as she did so there came thethought--no, no, he must not see her so. What a way was this to do--and by her tears weaken him. And yetdespite her great strength she could not now cease at once but cried on.
　　And Clyde seeing this, and despite his previous determination to bear up and say some comforting andheartening word to his mother, now began:
　　"But you mustn't, Ma. Gee, you mustn't cry. I know it's hard on you. But I'll be all right. Sure I will. It isn't as badas I thought." Yet inwardly saying: "Oh, God how bad!"And Mrs. Griffiths adding aloud: "My poor boy! My beloved son! But we mustn't give way. No. No. 'Behold Iwill deliver thee out of the snares of the wicked.' God has not deserted either of us. And He will not--that I know.
　　'He leadeth me by the still waters.' 'He restoreth my soul.' We must put our trust in Him. Besides," she added,briskly and practically, as much to strengthen herself as Clyde, "haven't I already arranged for an appeal? It is tobe made yet this week. They're going to file a notice. And that means that your case can't even be consideredunder a year. But it is just the shock of seeing you so. You see, I wasn't quite prepared for it." She straightenedher shoulders and now looked up and achieved a brave if strained smile. "The warden here seems very kind, butstill, somehow, when I saw you just now--"She dabbed at her eyes which were damp from this sudden and terrific storm, and to divert herself as well as himshe talked of the so very necessary work before her. Messrs. Belknap and Jephson had been so encouraging toher just before she left. She had gone to their office and they had urged her and him to be of good cheer. Andnow she was going to lecture, and at once, and would soon have means to do with that way. Oh, yes. And Mr.
　　Jephson would be down to see him one of these days soon. He was by no means to feel that the legal end of allthis had been reached. Far from it. The recent verdict and sentence was sure to be reversed and a new trialordered. The recent one was a farce, as he knew.
　　And as for herself--as soon as she found a room near the prison--she was going to the principal ministers ofAuburn and see if she could not secure a church, or two, or three, in which to speak and plead his cause. Mr.
　　Jephson was mailing her some information she could use within a day or two. And after that, other churches inSyracuse, Rochester, Albany, Schenectady--in fact many cities in the east--until she had raised the necessarysum. But she would not neglect him. She would see him at least once a week and would write him a letter everyother day, or maybe even daily if she could. She would talk to the warden. So he must not despair. She had muchhard work ahead of her, of course, but the Lord would guide her in all that she undertook. She knew that. Had Henot already shown his gracious and miraculous mercy?
　　Clyde must pray for her and for himself. Read Isaiah. Read the psalms--the 23rd and the 51st and 91st daily.
　　Also Habbakuk. "Are there walls against the Hand of the Lord?" And then after more tears, an utterly moving and macerating scene, at last achieving her departure while Clyde, shaken to his soul by so much misery,returned to his cell. His mother. And at her age--and with so little money--she was going out to try to raise themoney necessary to save him. And in the past he had treated her so badly--as he now saw.
　　He sat down on the side of his cot and held his head in his hands the while outside the prison--the iron door ofthe same closed and only a lonely room and the ordeal of her proposed lecture tour ahead of her--Mrs. Griffithspaused--by no means so assured or convinced of all she had said to Clyde. To be sure God would aid her. Hemust. Had He ever failed her yet--completely? And now-- herein her darkest hour, her son's! Would He?
　　She paused for a moment a little later in a small parking-place, beyond the prison, to stare at the tall, gray walls,the watch towers with armed guards in uniform, the barred windows and doors. A penitentiary. And her son wasnow within--worse yet, in that confined and narrow death house. And doomed to die in an electric chair. Unless-unless--But, no, no--that should not be. It could not be. That appeal. The money for it. She must busy herself asto that at once--not think or brood or despair. Oh, no. "My shield and my buckler." "My Light and my Strength.""Oh, Lord, Thou art my strength and my deliverance. In Thee will I trust." And then dabbing at her eyes oncemore and adding: "Oh, Lord, I believe. Help Thou mine unbelief."So Mrs. Griffiths, alternately praying and crying as she walked.
第二十九章
奥伯恩监狱里的"死牢",是人类麻木不仁、愚昧无知所造成的极端怪异的产物之一,但若追究其责任,确实很难指出谁是罪魁祸首.事实上,这座"死牢"的整个建制计划及其实施过程,原是一系列最初法规造成的结果,接着又吸取了根据历任典狱长个人脾性和他们认为很有必要而作出的一些决定和强制性的条例,后来就逐渐定型,也不用标明是某某个人思考的结果——于是,所有能想得出来的毫无必要、其实纯属非法的残忍手段,或是愚昧无知、灭绝人性的酷刑,终于都汇集到这里,而且直至今日还在施行.所以,某一个人只要被陪审团定了死罪,就先得饱受一千次死刑折磨,方能接受判决书上所规定的死刑.因为,这座死牢由于最初的设计,再加上对犯人生活和行动所作出的一些规定,就把这种酷刑强加在犯人身上了.
这座牢房有三十英尺宽、五十英尺长,是用石料和钢筋水泥建造的,屋顶离地大约三十英尺,上面还有一个天窗.据说,它比那座更差劲的老死牢已有所改进.如今这两座死牢连在一起,中间有一道门相通.这座新的死牢,被一条宽敞的走廊左右分开.底楼部分共有十二间牢房,左右两排,每排六间,每间八英尺宽,十英尺长,都是门对门的.楼上部分,号称阳台牢房——左右两排,每排五间.
可是另有一条狭窄的通道,从这条大走廊中间穿过——把底楼牢房两边分开,间数也相等——这一条狭窄的通道,一头通到现在叫做老死牢那里(目前仅仅在此接待来新死牢的探监者),另一头则通到备有电椅的行刑室.底楼走廊里有两间牢房——就是位于跟那条狭窄的通道交叉的地方——正好对着行刑室的门.对面角落里的两间牢房,正对着通往老死牢的那条通道.如果说我们想象力丰富些,不妨管老死牢叫做犯人接待室,犯人在这里一周内可以两次会见一位直系家属,或是一位辩护律师.但其他人一概不接见.
在老死牢(或称现在的接待室)里,牢房还保持原状,都排成一溜,贴近走廊这一边,以防犯人彼此偷看.牢房前有一道铁丝网;每间牢房门前另有绿色门帘,还可以拉下来.因为,原先不管是哪一个犯人新来乍到,或是即将离开,或是每天放风,或是去洗澡,或是最后被押走过西头那道小铁门,进入当时的行刑室,这些门帘通通都得拉下来.这个犯人是不能让其他同监犯人看见的.不过,这座老死牢,由于采取了如此讲究礼貌的隔绝措施,僻静极了,后来被认为不近人情,于是,就根据关怀备至、屈尊俯就的当局的意见,设计修建了这座比较完善的新死牢.
老死牢里特有的那些阴森森的小牢房,当然,新死牢里是没有了.在老死牢里,天花板很低,卫生设施极差.如今,新死牢里,天花板很高,各个房间和走廊,全都亮堂堂,而且每间牢房都比较宽敞,其面积不少于八英尺宽、十英尺长.不过,与老牢房相比,仍有一大缺点:牢房前没有铁丝网,尽管门帘还是照旧挂着.
再说,这里让所有的犯人都集中关在这两个楼面,逼使每一个犯人都得亲眼目睹周围所有这些邪恶的、疯狂的、或是完全颓丧绝望透顶的人种种骇人的表现.压根儿没有个人独处的可能性.白天——一股炽热的阳光从高高的玻璃拱顶的天窗里倾泻下来.入夜——令人目眩的强大的电灯光,照得各个牢房里每一个角落、每一条缝隙全都透亮.没有个人独处和各种娱乐活动——玩纸牌和下棋是犯人们不出牢房即可得到的唯一的消遣.在这种情况下,谁要有兴致阅读欣赏,当然还有书报.此外,每天上午、下午,照例有一位牧师来探访.至于犹太教拉比①和新教牧师,就不是定期来的.谁乐意见他们的,他们就专程来为谁举行祈祷,表示同情.
①即犹太教教士.
可是,这个地方真正该受诅咒的,正是这些优点跟改善环境的良好意愿适得其反.谁都能看出,每一个犯人不可避免地都得与其他犯人经常保持接触,而其他犯人一想到日益逼近的死期,他们的神志早已昏迷了,变态了.很多人都觉得死神象一只冰冷的手搭在他们额头上或是肩膀上了.而且,从来没有一个人——不管他自吹自擂是好样的——能顶住这种酷刑而在心灵上或肉体上不遭到某种程度的崩溃.阴暗——紧张——莫名其妙的恐惧和绝望,好比是风,一阵阵不断地吹遍整个牢房,依次让所有的人魂飞魄散,惊恐万状!往往在让人最最意想不到的时刻,这一切变成了:诅咒、唉声叹气,甚至号啕大哭,高声在哼唱什么——老天哪!——要不然,就是干号或呻吟.
还有更糟的呢.也许是这里最最折磨人、乃至于五内俱裂的地方,就是从老死牢那一头横穿到另一头行刑室的那条走廊.因为这地方经常——啊,次数真够多的!——要演出执行死刑的悲剧,而这条走廊,至少也成为某一场景的舞台了.
反正犯人在被处决那一天,就得从也许关押了一两年的新死牢里提出去,离开他那个设备完善的牢房,经过这条走廊,被移解到老死牢里旧牢房,让他寂静无声地捱过那最后几个钟头,但到了最后的那个时刻,(啊,死亡的进行曲呀!)他必须原路折回,沿着这条横穿而过的狭窄走廊——那儿谁都看得到的——被押送至另一头的行刑室.
不管什么时候,犯人倘要会见一位被带进老死牢探监的辩护律师或是亲人,就必须先沿着中央走廊,然后再从这条比较狭窄的走廊进入老死牢.在那里,犯人就被押进一间牢房.牢房前面两英尺处安上了一道电网.在电网和牢房之间,必定坐着一名狱警.犯人和来客(妻子、儿子、母亲、女儿、兄弟、辩护律师)交谈的时候,一字一句狱警都听得清清楚楚.没有握手,没有接吻,没有任何表示亲昵的接触——哪怕是一个含有暗示的字眼儿,狱蓄都不会听不到.只要某某人那个致命的时刻终于来到了,那末,每一个犯人——不管你是阴险或老实,敏感或迟钝——如果不是故意,也会在实际上不能不听到(即使不是看见)临终前种种准备程序——犯人被移解到老死牢里的牢房,也许还有父母子女最后诀别时的号哭声.
不管是当初牢房设计者也好,或是牢房管理者也好,他们压根儿都没有考虑到这一切会对另一些人带来多么不必要、不公道的折磨.他们这些人被关押在这儿,绝对不是立即执行的,而是要在此羁留很长时间,听候上级法院对他们的案子作出最后的判决——上诉以后的判决.
开头,克莱德对此即便略有所闻,当然,也知之甚少.在他进牢房的头一天,他才不过刚尝到一丁点儿滋味.转天中午,他母亲来了.这对他的思想负担来说是减轻了一些,也可以说是更加沉重了.因为当时不准她陪他一起来,她就留在那里,又一次跟贝尔纳普和杰夫森进行晤谈,并把她个人对她儿子移解的印象详详细细写了下来——(这些令人心肝俱裂的印象啊!).她虽然急急乎想在监狱附近寻摸到一个房间,殊不知一到奥伯恩,她却急匆匆先找到监狱办公处来.她递交了奥伯沃泽法官的命令以至贝尔纳普和杰夫森替她说情的那封信,信里希望监狱当局能俯允,让她(至少一开头)与克莱德单独见一面,然后允许她在跟老死牢完全分开的一个房间里会见她的儿子.反正有关她为护卫儿子作出积极奉献的报道,典狱长本人早已读到过,因此很感兴趣,不但想见见她,而且还想见见克莱德哩.
不料,克莱德来到这里以后,仪容上突然有了惊人的变化.他一走进来,让她震惊得几乎连话儿都说不出来了.尽管她认得出这是他,可他那脸颊该有多么死白如灰,两眼又有多么阴沉紧张.他的头上给剃成这么个怪相!这一身囚服!又是在这么一个阴森森的牢房里,到处是铁门、铁锁,长长的走廊里,每一个拐弯处,就有身穿制服的狱警站岗!
刹那间,她浑身颤抖直往后退缩,而且心情由于过分紧张,差点昏了过去,尽管在这以前,她在堪萨斯城、在芝加哥、在丹佛,不止一次到过许许多多大大小小的监狱,散发过小册子,劝人为善,并且自告奋勇去做只要是她力所能及的事.可是这——这一次啊!是她的亲生儿子呀!她那宽厚结实的胸脯开始喘息起来.她又看了一眼,然后让自己宽厚的后背扭过去,捂住自己的脸.她的嘴唇和下巴颏儿在微微发颤.她在身边那只小提包里寻摸手绢,同时自言自语道:"我的上帝,为什么离弃我?"①可是,就在这同一时刻,她一个闪念又想到——不,不,不应该让他看见她这样.这可要不得——她的眼泪只能使他更泄气呀.不过,尽管她意志很坚强,一下子也还是止不住,继续在悄悄地抽噎哭泣.
①引自《圣经·新约·马太福音》第27章第46节.
克莱德一见此状,忘了以前下过决心要沉住气,向母亲说一些安慰鼓励的话,却脱口而出说:
"可是,妈妈,千万别这样.唉,千万哭不得呀.我知道你心里很难过.不过我不会有什么的.我肯定不会有什么的.这里并不象我想过的那么糟."殊不知他心里却在念叨着说:"我的天哪,简直糟透了!"
格里菲思太太大声找补着说:"我可怜的孩子!我亲爱的儿子!不过,我们决不能丧失信心.不.不.'看啊,我会解救你脱离那恶人的网罗.'上帝至今都没有抛弃我们两个人.他决不会——这我知道.'他领我在可安歇的水边.''他使我的灵魂苏醒.'①我们应该信赖他.再说,"她精神抖擞地找补着说,仿佛既给克莱德壮胆,也给她自己壮胆似的."上诉的事我不是早已准备好了吗?这个星期就可以递上去.他们就要提出书面申请了.这就是说,你的案子在一年之内甚至不会加以考虑的.刚才只是因为我突然看见你这副样子才吃了一惊.你知道,这是我始料所不及呀."她挺起肩膀,昂起头来,甚至还勉强露出一丝笑容."看来这里的典狱长对我好象还挺和气,不过我刚才见你这样——"
①引自《圣经·旧约·诗篇》第23篇第2、3节.
她擦了一下因受这突如其来骇人的打击而湿漉漉的眼睛.为了让他们俩都解解闷,她就谈起眼下自己非常紧要的工作.贝尔纳普和杰夫森两位先生给她大大地鼓了气.她在动身前去过他们的事务所,他们奉劝她和克莱德不要灰心丧气.现在,她马上要去公开演讲了.很快就有办法了.啊,是的.最近几天内杰夫森先生就要来看他.克莱德万万不能认为,现在已定了案,一切全完了.决不是这样的.不久前的定罪和宣判肯定要撤销的,而且会下令复审的.上次庭审简直是一场滑稽戏,这他自己也知道.
至于她自己呢——只要在监狱附近寻摸到一个房间,她就打算去找奥伯恩的一些杰出的牧师,看能不能让她到某个教堂,或是到好几个教堂去公开演讲,替克莱德申辩.杰夫森先生将在一两天内,把一些可供她使用的材料寄给她.随后,她还要到锡拉丘兹、罗切斯特、奥尔巴尼、谢内克塔迪等地教堂去讲——一句话,东部许多城市也都得去——一直要敛到这一笔钱为止.但是话又说回来,她决不会把他扔下不管的.至少她每周要来看他一次,每隔一天给他写一封信,或者说不定每天写一封,只要她有空写.她要跟典狱长谈一谈.因此,克莱德千万不要绝望.当然罗,她面前有很多艰巨的工作要做.但是不管她要做什么事,都有主在指引她.对此,她是坚信不移的.他不是已经向她显示了他那宽宏、神奇的仁慈了吗?
克莱德应该为她和他自己祈祷.应该念《圣经》里的《以赛亚书》.念赞美诗篇——每天念第二十三篇、第五十一篇、第九十一篇.还应该念《哈巴谷书》."有什么墙壁能挡得住主的手?"随后,她泪水又夺眶而出,好一个令人动怜、五内俱裂的场面.最后,她终于告别走了.克莱德回到了自己牢房,心灵深处确实为她如此饱受忧患而深深震动.他的母亲呀.而且,她已有这么大年纪了——还是那么一文不名——现在,她就要去敛钱,为的是救他的命.而过去,他却是她的不肖儿子——现在他方才明白了.
他两手捂着头,坐在铁床边沿上.格里菲思太太一走出监狱——监狱的铁门就关了.前面等着她的,只是租来的一间孤寂凄凉的住房和她设想中旅行演讲的严峻考验——格里菲思太太驻步不前——刚才她竭力劝说过克莱德,可她的那些话连自己也不觉得很有把握或是很有信心.不过,当然罗,上帝会帮助她的.他一定会帮助她的.他一定得帮助她的.过去,他有没有丢弃过——完全丢弃她?如今——在这里——当她最危难的时刻,在她儿子最可怖的时刻!难道他会把她丢弃吗?
过了半晌,她在监狱外面小小的停车场上又驻步不前,两眼直瞪着灰沉沉的高墙和岗楼上身穿制服、荷熗实弹的狱警,以及那些安上铁栏杆的门窗.好一座监狱啊.如今她的儿子就在里面——而且糟得很,被关在与世隔绝的、狭窄的死牢里.并且决定是要坐电椅的.除非——除非——不过,不,不——决不能这么办.这决不能发生.要上诉.要一笔上诉费.因此,她就得马上行动起来——再也不能左思右想,或是忧心忡忡,或是陷入绝望了.不.不."我的盾和我的支柱.""我的光和我的力量的源泉.""啊,主啊,你是我的力量的源泉,你会拯救我的.我信赖你."然后,她又擦了一下眼睛,找补着说:
"啊,主啊,我是坚信的.求主帮助,我坚信不移."
于是,格里菲思太太就这样走远了,来回交替地又是祈祷、又是哭泣.
回复 引用 新鲜事
顶端
司凌。

ZxID：9742737

2429874鲜花 36鸡蛋

等级: 派派版主
配偶: 此微夜
原名：独爱穿越。
举报 只看该作者 99楼  发表于: 2013-10-25 0

Part 3 Chapter 30
But after this the long days in prison for Clyde. Except for a weekly visit from his mother, who, once she wasentered upon her work, found it difficult to see him more often than that--traveling as she did in the next twomonths between Albany and Buffalo and even New York City--but without the success she had at first hoped for.
　　For in the matter of her appeal to the churches and the public--as most wearily (and in secret if not to Clyde)-andafter three weeks of more or less regional and purely sectarian trying, she was compelled to report theChristians at least were very indifferent--not as Christian as they should be. For as all, but more particularly theministers of the region, since they most guardedly and reservedly represented their congregations in everyinstance, unanimously saw it, here was a notorious and, of course, most unsavory trial which had resulted in aconviction with which the more conservative element of the country--if one could judge by the papers at least,were in agreement.
　　Besides who was this woman--as well as her son? An exhorter-- a secret preacher--one, who in defiance of all thetenets and processes of organized and historic, as well as hieratic, religious powers and forms (theologicalseminaries, organized churches and their affiliations and product--all carefully and advisedly and legitimatelybecause historically and dogmatically interpreting the word of God) choosing to walk forth and withoutordination after any fashion conduct an unauthorized and hence nondescript mission. Besides if she hadremained at home, as a good mother should, and devoted herself to her son, as well as to her other children--theircare and education--would this--have happened?
　　And not only that--but according to Clyde's own testimony in this trial, had he not been guilty of adultery withthis girl--whether he had slain her or not? A sin almost equal to murder in many minds. Had he not confessed it?
　　And was an appeal for a convicted adulterer--if not murderer (who could tell as to that?) to be made in a church?
　　No,--no Christian church was the place to debate, and for a charge, the merits of this case, however much eachChristian of each and every church might sympathize with Mrs. Griffiths personally--or resent any legal injusticethat might have been done her son. No, no. It was not morally advisable. It might even tend to implant in theminds of the young some of the details of the crime.
　　Besides, because of what the newspapers had said of her coming east to aid her son and the picture that sheherself presented in her homely garb, it was assumed by most ministers that she was one of those erratic persons,not a constituent of any definite sect, or schooled theology, who tended by her very appearance to cast contempton true and pure religion.
　　And in consequence, each in turn--not hardening his heart exactly--but thinking twice--and deciding no--theremust be some better way-- less troublesome to Christians,--a public hall, perhaps, to which Christians, if properlyappealed to through the press, might well repair. And so Mrs. Griffiths, in all but one instance, rejected in thatfashion and told to go elsewhere--while in regard to the Catholics--instinctively--because of prejudice--as well asa certain dull wisdom not inconsistent with the facts--she failed even to so much as think of them. The mercies ofChrist as interpreted by the holder of the sacred keys of St. Peter, as she knew, were not for those who failed toacknowledge the authority of the Vicar of Christ.
　　And therefore after many days spent in futile knockings here and there she was at last compelled--and in no littledepression, to appeal to a Jew who controlled the principal moving picture theater of Utica--a sinful theater. Andfrom him, this she secured free for a morning address on the merits of her son's case--"A mother's appeal for herson," it was entitled--which netted her, at twenty-five cents per person--the amazing sum of two hundred dollars.
　　At first this sum, small as it was, so heartened her that she was now convinced that soon--whatever the attitude ofthe orthodox Christians--she would earn enough for Clyde's appeal. It might take time--but she would.
　　Nevertheless, as she soon discovered, there were other factors to be considered--carfare, her own personalexpenses in Utica and elsewhere, to say nothing of certain very necessary sums to be sent to Denver to herhusband, who had little or nothing to go on at present, and who, because of this very great tragedy in the family,had been made ill--so ill indeed that the letters from Frank and Julia were becoming very disturbing. It waspossible that he might not get well at all. Some help was necessary there.
　　And in consequence, in addition to paying her own expenses here, Mrs. Griffiths was literally compelled todeduct other reducing sums from this, her present and only source of income. It was terrible--considering Clyde'spredicament--but nevertheless must she not sustain herself in every way in order to win to victory? She could notreasonably abandon her husband in order to aid Clyde alone.
　　Yet in the face of this--as time went on, the audiences growing smaller and smaller until at last they constitutedlittle more than a handful--and barely paying her expenses--although through this process none-the-less shefinally managed to put aside--over and above all her expenses--eleven hundred dollars.
　　Yet, also, just at this time, and in a moment of extreme anxiety, Frank and Julia wiring her that if she desired tosee Asa again she had better come home at once. He was exceedingly low and not expected to live. Whereupon,played upon by these several difficulties and there being no single thing other than to visit him once or twice a week--as her engagements permitted--which she could do for Clyde, she now hastily conferred with Belknap andJephson, setting forth her extreme difficulties.
　　And these, seeing that eleven hundred dollars of all she had thus far collected was to be turned over to them,now, in a burst of humanity, advised her to return to her husband. Decidedly Clyde would do well enough for thepresent seeing that there was an entire year--or at least ten months before it was necessary to file the record andthe briefs in the case. In addition another year assuredly must elapse before a decision could be reached. And nodoubt before that time the additional part of the appeal fee could be raised. Or, if not--well, then--anyhow (seeinghow worn and distrait she was at this time) she need not worry. Messrs. Belknap and Jephson would see to it thather son's interests were properly protected. They would file an appeal and make an argument--and do whateverelse was necessary to insure her son a fair hearing at the proper time.
　　And with that great burden off her mind--and two last visits to Clyde in which she assured him of herdetermination to return as speedily as possible--once Asa was restored to strength again and she could see herway to financing such a return--she now departed only to find that, once she was in Denver once more, it was notso easy to restore him by any means.
　　And in the meantime Clyde was left to cogitate on and make the best of a world that at its best was a kind ofinferno of mental ills--above which--as above Dante's might have been written--"abandon hope--ye who enterhere."The somberness of it. Its slow and yet searing psychic force! The obvious terror and depression--constant andunshakeable of those who, in spite of all their courage or their fears, their bravado or their real indifference (therewere even those) were still compelled to think and wait. For, now, in connection with this coldest and bitterestform of prison life he was in constant psychic, if not physical contact, with twenty other convicted characters ofvarying temperaments and nationalities, each one of whom, like himself, had responded to some heat or lust ormisery of his nature or his circumstances. And with murder, a mental as well as physical explosion, as the finaloutcome or concluding episode which, being detected, and after what horrors and wearinesses of mental as wellas legal contest and failure, such as fairly paralleled his own, now found themselves islanded--immured--in oneor another of these twenty-two iron cages and awaiting--awaiting what?
　　How well they knew. And how well he knew. And here with what loud public rages and despairs or prayers--attimes. At others--what curses--foal or coarse jests--or tales addressed to all--or ribald laughter--or sighings andgroanings in these later hours when the straining spirit having struggled to silence, there was supposedly rest forthe body and the spirit.
　　In an exercise court, beyond the farthermost end of the long corridor, twice daily, for a few minutes each time,between the hours of ten and five--the various inmates in groups of five or six were led forth--to breathe, to walk,to practice calisthenics--or run and leap as they chose. But always under the watchful eyes of sufficient guards tomaster them in case they attempted rebellion in any form. And to this it was, beginning with the second day, thatClyde himself was led, now with one set of men and now with another. But with the feeling at first strong in himthat he could not share in any of these public activities which, nevertheless, these others--and in spite of theirimpending doom--seemed willing enough to indulge in.
　　The two dark-eyed sinister-looking Italians, one of whom had slain a girl because she would not marry him; theother who had robbed and then slain and attempted to burn the body of his father-in-law in order to get moneyfor himself and his wife! And big Larry Donahue--square-headed, square-shouldered--big of feet and hands, anoverseas soldier, who, being ejected from a job as night watchman in a Brooklyn factory, had lain for theforeman who had discharged him--and then killed him on an open common somewhere at night, but without theskill to keep from losing a service medal which had eventually served to betray and identify him. Clyde hadlearned all this from the strangely indifferent and non-committal, yet seemingly friendly guards, who were overthese cells by night and by day--two and two, turn about--who relieved each other every eight hours. And policeofficer Riordan of Rochester, who had killed his wife because she was determined to leave him--and now,himself, was to die. And Thomas Mowrer, the young "farmer" or farm hand, as he really was, whom Clyde onhis first night had heard moaning--a man who had killed his employer with a pitchfork--and was soon to dienow--as Clyde heard, and who walked and walked, keeping close to the wall--his head down, his hands behindhis back--a rude, strong, loutish man of about thirty, who looked more beaten and betrayed than as though he hadbeen able to torture or destroy another. Clyde wondered about him--his real guilt.
　　Again Miller Nicholson, a lawyer of Buffalo of perhaps forty years of age who was tall and slim and decidedlysuperior looking--a refined, intellectual type, one you would have said was no murderer--any more than Clyde-tolook at, who, none-the-less was convicted of poisoning an old man of great wealth and afterwards attemptingto convert his fortune to his own use. Yet decidedly with nothing in his look or manner, as Clyde felt, at least,which marked him as one so evil--a polite and courteous man, who, noting Clyde on the very first morning of hisarrival here, approached and said: "Scared?" But in the most gentle and solicitous tone, as Clyde could hear andfeel, even though he stood blank and icy-- afraid almost to move--or think. Yet in this mood--and because he feltso truly done for, replying: "Yes, I guess I am." But once it was out, wondering why he had said it (so weak aconfession) and afterwards something in the man heartening him, wishing that he had not.
　　"Your name's Griffiths, isn't it?""Yes.""Well, my name's Nicholson. Don't be frightened. You'll get used to it." He achieved a cheerful, if wan smile.
　　But his eyes--they did not seem like that--no smile there.
　　"I don't suppose I'm so scared either," replied Clyde, trying to modify his first, quick and unintended confession.
　　"Well, that's good. Be game. We all have to be here--or the whole place would go crazy. Better breathe a little.
　　Or walk fast. It'll do you good."He moved away a few paces and began exercising his arms while Clyde stood there, saying--almost loudly--soshaken was he still: "We all have to be or the whole place would go crazy." That was true, as he could see andfeel after that first night. Crazy, indeed. Tortured to death, maybe, by being compelled to witness these terribleand completely destroying--and for each--impending tragedies. But how long would he have to endure this? Howlong would he?
　　In the course of a day or two, again he found this death house was not quite like that either--not all terror--on the surface at least. It was in reality--and in spite of impending death in every instance, a place of taunt and jibe andjest--even games, athletics, the stage--all forms of human contest of skill--or the arguments on every conceivabletopic from death and women to lack of it, as far at least as the general low intelligence of the group permitted.
　　For the most part, as soon as breakfast was over--among those who were not called upon to join the first groupfor exercise, there were checkers or cards, two games that were played--not with a single set of checkers or adeck of cards between groups released from their cells, but by one of the ever present keepers providing twochallenging prisoners (if it were checkers) with one checker-board but no checkers. They were not needed.
　　Thereafter the opening move was called by one. "I move from G 2 to E 1"--each square being numbered--eachside lettered. The moves checked with a pencil.
　　Thereafter the second party--having recorded this move on his own board and having studied the effect of it onhis own general position, would call: "I move from E 7 to F 5." If more of those present decided to join in this-eitheron one side or the other, additional boards and pencils were passed to each signifying his desire. ThenShorty Bristol, desiring to aid "Dutch" Swighort, three cells down, might call: "I wouldn't do that, Dutch. Wait aminute, there's a better move than that." And so on with taunts, oaths, laughter, arguments, according to thevarying fortunes and difficulties of the game. And so, too, with cards. These were played with each man lockedin his cell, yet quite as successfully.
　　But Clyde did not care for cards--or for these jibing and coarse hours of conversation. There was for him--andwith the exception of the speech of one--Nicholson--alone, too much ribald and even brutal talk which he couldnot appreciate. But he was drawn to Nicholson. He was beginning to think after a time--a few days--that thislawyer--his presence and companionship during the exercise hour--whenever they chanced to be in the same set-couldhelp him to endure this. He was the most intelligent and respectable man here. The others were all sodifferent--taciturn at times--and for the most part so sinister, crude or remote.
　　But then and that not more than a week after his coming here--and when, because of his interest in Nicholson, hewas beginning to feel slightly sustained at least--the execution of Pasquale Cutrone, of Brooklyn, an Italian,convicted of the slaying of his brother for attempting to seduce his wife. He had one of the cells nearest thetransverse passage, so Clyde learned after arriving, and had in part lost his mind from worrying. At any rate hewas invariably left in his cell when the others--in groups of six--were taken for exercise. But the horror of hisemaciated face, as Clyde passed and occasionally looked in--a face divided into three grim panels by two guttersor prison lines of misery that led from the eyes to the corners of the mouth.
　　Beginning with his, Clyde's arrival, as he learned, Pasquale had begun to pray night and day. For already, beforethat, he had been notified of the approximate date of his death which was to be within the week. And after that hewas given to crawling up and down his cell on his hands and knees, kissing the floor, licking the feet of a brassChrist on a cross that had been given him. Also he was repeatedly visited by an Italian brother and sister freshfrom Italy and for whose benefit at certain hours, he was removed to the old death house. But as all nowwhispered, Pasquale was mentally beyond any help that might lie in brothers or sisters.
　　All night long and all day long, when they were not present, he did this crawling to and fro and praying, andthose who were awake and trying to read to pass the time, were compelled to listen to his mumbled prayers, theclick of the beads of a rosary on which he was numbering numberless Our Fathers and Hail Marys.
　　And though there were voices which occasionally said: "Oh, for Christ's sake--if he would only sleep a little"-stillon, on. And the tap of his forehead on the floor--in prayer, until at last the fatal day preceding the one onwhich he was to die, when Pasquale was taken from his cell here and escorted to another in the old death housebeyond and where, before the following morning, as Clyde later learned, last farewells, if any, were to be said.
　　Also he was to be allowed a few hours in which to prepare his soul for his maker.
　　But throughout that night what a strange condition was this that settled upon all who were of this fatal room. Fewate any supper as the departing trays showed. There was silence--and after that mumbled prayers on the part ofsome--not so greatly removed by time from Pasquale's fate, as they knew. One Italian, sentenced for the murderof a bank watchman, became hysterical, screamed, dashed the chair and table of his cell against the bars of hisdoor, tore the sheets of his bed to shreds and even sought to strangle himself before eventually he wasoverpowered and removed to a cell in a different part of the building to be observed as to his sanity.
　　As for the others, throughout this excitement, one could hear them walking and mumbling or calling to theguards to do something. And as for Clyde, never having experienced or imagined such a scene, he was literallyshivering with fear and horror. All through the last night of this man's life he lay on his pallet, chasing phantoms.
　　So this was what death was like here; men cried, prayed, they lost their minds--yet the deadly process was in noway halted, for all their terror. Instead, at ten o'clock and in order to quiet all those who were left, a cold lunchwas brought in and offered--but with none eating save the Chinaman over the way.
　　And then at four the following morning--the keepers in charge of the deadly work coming silently along the mainpassage and drawing the heavy green curtains with which the cells were equipped so that none might see the fatalprocession which was yet to return along the transverse passage from the old death house to the execution room.
　　And yet with Clyde and all the others waking and sitting up at the sound.
　　It was here, the execution! The hour of death was at hand. This was the signal. In their separate cells, many ofthose who through fear or contrition, or because of innate religious convictions, had been recalled to some formof shielding or comforting faith, were upon their knees praying. Among the rest were others who merely walkedor muttered. And still others who screamed from time to time in an incontrollable fever of terror.
　　As for Clyde he was numb and dumb. Almost thoughtless. They were going to kill that man in that other room inthere. That chair--that chair that he had so greatly feared this long while was in there--was so close now. Yet histime as Jephson and his mother had told him was so long and distant as yet--if ever--ever it was to be--if ever-ever-But now other sounds. Certain walkings to and fro. A cell door clanking somewhere. Then plainly the doorleading from the old death house into this room opening--for there was a voice--several voices indistinct as yet.
　　Then another voice a little clearer as if some one praying. That tell-tale shuffling of feet as a procession movedacross and through that passage. "Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy.""Mary, Mother of Grace, Mary, Mother of Mercy, St. Michael, pray for me; my good Angel, pray for me.""Holy Mary, pray for me; St. Joseph, pray for me. St. Ambrose, pray for me; all ye saints and angels, pray for me.""St. Michael, pray for me; my good Angel, pray for me."It was the voice of the priest accompanying the doomed man and reciting a litany. Yet he was no longer in hisright mind they said. And yet was not that his voice mumbling too? It was. Clyde could tell. He had heard it toomuch recently. And now that other door would be opened. He would be looking through it--this condemnedman--so soon to be dead--at it--seeing it--that cap-- those straps. Oh, he knew all about those by now though theyshould never come to be put upon him, maybe.
　　"Good-by, Cutrone!" It was a hoarse, shaky voice from some near-by cell--Clyde could not tell which. "Go to abetter world than this." And then other voices: "Goodby, Cutrone. God keep you--even though you can't talkEnglish."The procession had passed. That door was shut. He was in there now. They were strapping him in, no doubt.
　　Asking him what more he had to say--he who was no longer quite right in his mind. Now the straps must befastened on, surely. The cap pulled down. In a moment, a moment, surely-And then, although Clyde did not know or notice at the moment--a sudden dimming of the lights in this room--aswell as over the prison--an idiotic or thoughtless result of having one electric system to supply the death voltageand the incandescence of this and all other rooms. And instantly a voice calling:
　　"There she goes. That's one. Well, it's all over with him."And a second voice: "Yes, he's topped off, poor devil."And then after the lapse of a minute perhaps, a second dimming lasting for thirty seconds--and finally a thirddimming.
　　"There--sure--that's the end now.""Yes. He knows what's on the other side now."Thereafter silence--a deadly hush with later some murmured prayers here and there. But with Clyde cold andwith a kind of shaking ague. He dared not think--let alone cry. So that's how it was. They drew the curtains. Andthen--and then. He was gone now. Those three dimmings of the lights. Sure, those were the flashes. And after allthose nights at prayer. Those moanings! Those beatings of his head! And only a minute ago he had been alive-walkingby there. But now dead. And some day he--he!--how could he be sure that he would not? How could he?
　　He shook and shook, lying on his couch, face down. The keepers came and ran up the curtains--as sure andsecure in their lives apparently as though there was no death in the world. And afterwards he could hear themtalking--not to him so much--he had proved too reticent thus far--but to some of the others.
　　Poor Pasquale. This whole business of the death penalty was all wrong. The warden thought so. So did they. He was working to have it abolished.
　　But that man! His prayers! And now he was gone. His cell over there was empty and another man would be putin it--to go too, later. Some one--many--like Cutrone, like himself--had been in this one--on this pallet. He satup--moved to the chair. But he--they--had sat on that--too. He stood up--only to sink down on the pallet again.
　　"God! God! God! God!" he now exclaimed to himself--but not aloud--and yet not unlike that other man who hadso terrorized him on the night of his arrival here and who was still here. But he would go too. And all of theseothers--and himself maybe--unless-- unless.
　　He had seen his first man die.
第三十章
可是在这以后,克莱德觉得在监狱里简直度日如年.只有他母亲每周来探望他一次.她一动手工作,就很难更经常地来看他——后来两个月里,她往返于奥尔巴尼与布法罗之间,甚至还到过纽约市,但结果并不成功,跟她当初所希望的大相径庭.因为,说到她向教会和公众呼吁一事,她真可以说是疲如奔命的了(如果说克莱德并不知道,那末只有她自己知道了).经过三周来多多少少向各地区和纯粹各教派试探的结果,她不得不得出这么一个结论:基督徒他们至少是漠不关心的——压根儿不象基督徒应具有的气度.因为,他们对此态度全都一个样,特别是当地的牧师,他们自以为事事都得极其谨小慎微,方可表达出他们会众的意见,因此,他们一致认为,这是一场臭名昭著、而且当然也是令人不快的、业已定罪结案了的审判——从国内比较保守的人的视角来看,或是从各报刊的言论来判断,至少也都是完全赞同的.
首先,这个女人,还有她的儿子,究竟都是些什么样的人呢?一个自称劝人为善的——地下传教士——竟敢藐视有组织的、历史悠久、等级森严的神权及其体制(神学院、合法教会及其分支机构——对于圣言都是极其审慎,深思熟虑地加以诠释,而又由于符合传统教条,因此也就是合法的诠释)所规定的一切教义和方式方法,忽然灵机一动,擅自举办了未经任何神职授权,所以也就是莫名其妙的传道馆.再说,她要是也能象一位贤妻良母那样待在家里,一门心思扑在她的儿子和她的其他孩子上面——栽培教育他们——那末,上面谈到的这类事,难道还会发生吗?
除此以外——克莱德究竟有没有杀害了这个姑娘呢?不过,不管怎么说,根据克莱德自己在受审时所作的证词,他不是已犯了跟这个姑娘通奸的罪吗?这个罪在很多人心目中,几乎跟杀人罪同样严重.这个罪不是他自己也供认了吗?替一个判定犯有通奸罪的人呼冤叫屈——即便此人不是杀人犯(这个有谁知道呢?),在教会里能这么乱来一气吗?不——哪一个基督教堂都不能为辩论这个案子是非功过提供场所,入场听讲居然还要收费.这可要不得.哪怕是每个教堂里每个基督徒对格里菲思太太个人也许是深表同情——或是对她儿子可能受到的不公平判决表示愤慨,这也要不得.不,不.这从道德上来说,是极不可取的.因为年轻人的注意力,也许还会被犯罪的一些具体细节给吸引过去了.
再说,由于各报刊载过有关她去东部营救儿子的消息,还描述过她身上穿着稀奇古怪的那副德行,绝大多数牧师都认为她肯定是个宗教狂,决不是哪一个教派或是某个神学流派里的一员,以这副德行登上圣坛,就是为了亵渎真正纯洁的宗教.
因此,她所请求的每一个对象——尽管未必都是铁石心肠——却转念一想——觉得不行——一定还有什么别的好办法——对基督徒来说可以少一些麻烦——比方说,租一个大会堂,如果再请各报刊适当配合一下,本来还是可以从基督徒里招徕很多听众的.这样,格里菲思太太就到处(除了一处例外)碰壁,都叫她上别处求告去——至于向天主教徒寻求帮助——一来是出于她的偏见——二来由于她那种含糊不清、缺乏事实根据的不信任感——她脑子里压根儿连想都没有想过他们.她知道,根据掌管圣·彼得神圣钥匙的人解释,基督的仁慈,不是给那些不承认教皇权力的人的.
所以,她不知有多少天来到处敲门,到处碰壁.最后,她出于万般无奈,才不得不求助于一个犹太人——此人拥有尤蒂卡一家最大的电影院——真正罪恶的渊薮.得到他的允许,她可以在某天上午无偿借用这家电影院举行演讲会,讲讲她儿子这个案子的是非曲直,题为"一个母亲为自己儿子申辩"——入场券每位两角五分,使她净收入多达两百块美元之谱.这个数字尽管不算大,可是一开头就使她精神亢奋起来.她深信,不管那些正统的基督徒态度如何,她很快就能敛到一笔钱,足够克莱德上诉用的.也许还得花些时间——不过,这笔钱她准能敛到的.
但是没有多久,她发现,还有别的一些因素不得不考虑到——比方说,车费、她本人在尤蒂卡等地的开销,更不用说务必寄一些钱到丹佛她丈夫那里去.这时,她丈夫已是一筹莫展,而且几乎活不下去了,再加上家里出了这一场特大悲剧,使他一病不起,病得越来越重了——看了弗兰克和朱丽娅的来信,总是让人牵肠挂肚的.也许他压根儿好不了.他那里少不得也要周济一点儿.
因此,除了她个人在这里的开销以外,格里菲思太太还不得不从眼前唯一收入的这笔钱里拿一些派别的用处.想一想克莱德身处绝境——真可怕,可是,为了赢得最后胜利,难道她还不应该千方百计地苦撑下去吗?她断断乎不能为了营救克莱德,就把自己丈夫也扔下不管了.
可是,随着时间流逝,她的听众却越来越少了,到后来,充其量才不过十几个人——刚够她本人开销了——虽然通过这种方式,扣去她所有的开销,最后她还是积攒了一千一百块美元.
就在这时,也是正当她心焦如焚之际,弗兰克和朱丽娅给她打来电报,说如果她还想跟阿萨见上一面,最好马上回家来.他已是奄奄一息,要活恐怕没有指望的了.于是,好几件危难之事都冲着她而来;对于克莱德,现在她至多也只能每星期去探望他一次或两次——如果说她当时工作允许的话——那是她目前尽心尽力让克莱德得到的唯一乐趣——因此,她就赶紧找贝尔纳普和杰夫森商量,如何解决她现下碰到的那一大堆困难.
两位辩护律师眼看着她历经艰辛募集到一千一百块美元,即将悉数交给他们,现在居然人情味十足,撺掇她回到自己丈夫身边去.克莱德当然暂时还是相安无事,因为要在整整一年——或者至少十个月——以后,上诉法院才需要调集本案笔录和案情摘要.而且,肯定还得再经过一年时间,方才作出正式决定.毫无疑问,在这个时限以前,上诉费用的余缺部分一定能通通筹集到.要不然,哪怕这事完不成——嗯,得了——反正她也不用发愁了.贝尔纳普和杰夫森两位先生(看到她早已竭精殚虑,心神恍惚)一定会极力保护她儿子的权益.他们会提出上诉的请求,进行申辩——并且办好其他一切必办的事项,保证他的儿子能在适当的时候得到公正的申诉机会.
她就这样心里如释重负似的,最后又去探望了克莱德两次,让他尽管放心,说她决心尽快赶回来的——只要阿萨体力一恢复,而且,回程费用,她也有了着落——于是,她就动身了.不料,她一回到丹佛,就发现倘要丈夫马上恢复健康,决不是那么容易的事.
这时,克莱德独自一人留在那里沉思默想,让自己尽量适应这里的生活——他努力往最好处争取,这里至多也只是一座精神地狱——在这地狱的门上,不妨可以写上但丁在《神曲》地狱篇里的这句话——"你们进这儿来的人啊——请把希望放在门外."
这里弥漫着一种阴森森的气氛.一种慢性的、但能撕裂心灵的力量!这种一望可知的恐怖和沮丧——是怎么也甩脱不了地经常主宰着所有的犯人们——不管他们勇敢也好,害怕也好,喜好虚张声势也好,说真的无所谓也好(这种人确实有的是),他们都得被迫在这里揣摸和等待.这时,由于处在这种特别冷酷、辛酸的监狱生活环境里,克莱德就经常在心理上——如果说不是在肉体上——跟二十来个国籍不同、气质殊异的同监犯人接触;而这拨人里头每一个人,正如他自己一样,都对自己天性里某种狂热、好色,或是他生活际遇里的某种悲惨情况作出反应.而随着最后的结局,或称最后的插曲,就是作为精神上和肉体上的总爆发——谋杀——被人识破,于是,为了要在道德上和法律上自我卫护,先是斗争,继而失败,使自己饱受恐怖而又困顿不堪(对此克莱德已是相当熟悉的了)——如今他们发现自己都被关押在二十二个铁笼子里头的这一个或那一个里——仿佛在孤岛上——等待着——可是,他们等待着的是什么呢?
其实,他们心里很清楚.而他心里也很清楚.有的时候,他们就在这里狂怒和绝望猝然迸发,或是被祈祷弄得神魂颠倒,也有的时候——咒骂该死——净说一些粗鲁肮脏、不堪入耳的笑话——或是大声讲故事,让大伙儿都听得见——或是发出下流猥亵的狂笑——或是在深更半夜,正当疲惫的心灵好不容易才入了岑寂之境,肉体和灵魂似乎也应当休息的时候,却传来了一声声呻吟叹息.
长长的走廊尽头,有一个专供放风的院子.每天(在上午十点到下午五点之间)——两次,每次几分钟,将犯人分成五个一拨或六个一拨——都被押出来——吸吸空气,溜溜腿,做做柔软体操——或是跑跑步,蹦蹦跳跳,全随他们自己高兴.不过,总有相当多的狱警在旁监视,以防他们进行任何形式的反抗.克莱德从入狱后的第二天开始,也被押到院子里去,有时跟这拨人在一起,也有时候跟另一拨人在一起.开头,他坚决认为自己可不愿随大溜参加这类活动;不过,眼看着别的一些同监犯人——不管自己的末日已在临近了——好象还是挺乐意玩个痛痛快快.
有两个黑眼睛、阴险的意大利人:一个是因为某个姑娘不肯嫁给他,就把她杀了;另一个先是抢了丈人的钱财,后来又把丈人杀了,并且还企图焚尸灭迹,为的是给自己和老婆捞钱发财!还有那大个儿拉里·多纳休——方头、方肩,大手、大脚,当过大兵,还派往海外去过,原在布鲁克林某厂担任值夜警卫,后来被工头开除了,于是,他就伺机要干掉那个工头.有一天夜里,他在某某地方果然把那工头杀了,但不小心把一枚战时服役的奖章失落在地上,经过追查,终于确认是他所干的.所有这些,克莱德都是从狱警那儿听说的.那些狱警对待犯人简直出奇地无动于衷,但总的看来似乎还算友好,他们分日夜两班看管这些牢房,每班两人轮值,每八小时换一班.还有罗切斯特的警官赖尔登,因为妻子坚决要离弃他,他就把她杀了——而现下他本人就得自己来偿命了.还有那个托马斯·莫勒,是个年轻的"农场主",其实,他充其量仅仅是个雇农罢了.克莱德入狱的头一个晚上,就听见他呻吟哭泣过——他用干草杈把他的雇主给戳死了——现在眼看着就得自己来偿命了,克莱德是听人这么说的.此人一个劲儿在牢房里踱来踱去,紧贴着墙根,耷拉着脑袋,两手撂在背后——是一个粗鲁无礼、身强力壮的乡巴佬,年纪大约三十岁光景.瞧他那副德行,仿佛挨过揍、被人家撵了出来似的,很难想象他竟然是个折磨人、杀害人的凶手.克莱德瞅着他暗自纳闷——他真的有罪吗?
此外还有米勒·尼科尔森,是布法罗的一位律师,年龄约莫在四十岁左右,细高个儿,论外貌显然卓尔超群——属于有教养的知识分子类型.乍一看,谁都一定会说他不是杀人犯,就象克莱德一样——但他还是被定了罪,说他毒死某巨富老翁后,企图将其财产占为己有.不过,依克莱德看,至少从他的模样或是态度上,一点儿看不出此人竟是如此十恶不赦——其实,他倒是个谦逊有礼的人.克莱德入狱后头一个早晨,尼科尔森一见他,就走过去说:"害怕了吧?"不过,此人说话的语气非常温柔而又体贴,这克莱德一听也感觉得到,尽管他站在那里面色煞白,浑身冰冷——骇怕得几乎不敢动一动——甚至连想都不敢想一想.可是,克莱德一是心里诚惶诚恐——二是因为他感到自己确实完蛋了,就回答说:"是的,我想好象自己是害怕的."殊不知这话一说出口,他就暗自忖度,他干吗偏要这么说(如此低三下四地直言不讳),后来,尼科尔森身上的某种东西给他鼓了气,所以,他就对自己刚才的答话感到后悔了.
"你叫格里菲思,是吧?"
"是的."
"哦,我叫尼科尔森.别害怕.很快你就会习惯的."他尽管脸上毫无血色,还是勉强露出一丝笑容.不过,他眼里似乎压根儿不含笑意.
"我想,我也并不是挺害怕的,"克莱德回答说,竭力想修正一下刚才他无意之中脱口而出的真心话.
"哦,那敢情好.散散心吧.我们在这儿都得这么轻松轻松——要不然差不多人人都要疯了.最好尽量多呼吸一点儿新鲜空气.撒腿快步走一会儿.这样对你有好处."
他就迈开腿往外走了几步,让自己胳膊活动活动.这时,克莱德伫立在那儿,自言自语——声音简直很响——尽管他还是那么发颤:"我们在这儿都得这么轻松轻松,要不然差不多人人都要疯了."这话倒是千真万确的.他在狱中过了头一夜以后,就看见了,感受到了.真的——你简直快疯了.也许把你折磨死了.因为你被迫亲眼目睹了这些骇人的、心肝俱裂的——而且对每个人来说——日益逼近的悲剧.不过,这一切他还得忍受多久呀?他又能忍受多久呢?
一两天后,他又觉得这座死牢也并不象他开头想象的那样——至少表面上说——不全是一片恐怖.实际上——即使每一个同监犯人死期已是迫在眉睫,这里仍然是嬉笑、嘲讽,乃至于游戏之地——并对所有能想到的题目,从死亡到女人、运动、舞台进行抬杠——通过人类各种不同形式的俏皮话(或则正好缺少这种俏皮话)相互竟争,而这一切照例又是跟他们知识层次普通低下相适应的.
如今,早饭一开过,没有被叫出去参加头一拨放风的人,往往就下棋或玩纸牌——那是这里绝无仅有的两种消遣——这并不是说让他们从牢房里放出来,按组发给一副棋子、棋盘,或是一副纸牌;而是由一刻儿也不离岗的狱警把棋盘发给两名对弈(如果是下棋的话)的犯人,每人一块,但是棋子不发给.他们对弈时是不需要棋子的.于是,由一个人先开局说,"我从G2跳到E1"——每一格都标出号码——每一边也都有字母.每走一步棋,都用铅笔记下来.
接着,对手先在自己的棋盘上把这一着棋记下来,琢磨一下这对自己全局影响如何,然后大声说:"我从F7跳到F5."如果在场还有别人乐意加入,不管他们加入的是哪一方,狱警就会另外发给他们一人一块棋盘、一支铅笔.那时,只听见乐意帮助跟他隔开三间牢房的"荷兰佬"斯威戈特的小矮子布里斯托尔大声说:"我才不同意这么走,荷兰佬.且慢,且慢,好棋还在后头哩."棋就这么继续对弈下去,并且根据这盘棋变化莫测的胜败得失,时而嬉笑,时而怒骂,时而赌咒,时而抬杠.玩纸牌也是这样.每个人照例都关在自己牢房里玩,居然还玩兴不减哩.
不过,克莱德不喜欢玩纸牌——也不喜欢整天价净是粗鲁嘲笑乱扯淡.他觉得——除尼科尔森一人外——周围人们说的净是下流猥亵,甚至粗野的脏话,他听了简直刺耳.不过话又说回来,他自己却被尼科尔森深深吸引住了.过了一些时候——一两天光景——他开始揣想,放风时有他在场,只要他们碰巧在同一拨里有这个律师,跟他作伴聊聊天,就可以帮他顶住这一切.在同监犯人里头就数尼科尔森最有真知灼见、最受人们尊敬.其他的犯人都跟他大不一样——有时一声不吭——更多时间是那么阴险、粗鄙,或是那么冷漠无情.
他入狱才过去了一星期,他对尼科尔森刚刚感兴趣,开始觉得自己至少稍微坚定些,这时却突然得知布鲁克林的巴斯夸尔·卡特龙尼就要行刑了.原来此人把自己兄弟杀死了(因为后者企图诱奸他的妻子),结果被判处死刑.巴斯夸尔住的那间牢房,离横穿而过的走廊最近,克莱德入狱后才知道,由于担惊受怕,此人已经有些神经错乱了.每当别人(六个人一拨)提出来放风时,他却照例被留在自己牢房里.可是,克莱德走过那里,偶尔往里头张望一下,见他那张瘦削的脸看起来怪可怕的,从眼睛到嘴角边,被两道深沟,亦即狱中苦难的皱纹,一分为龇牙咧嘴的三大块.
克莱德后来知道,从他入狱的那一天起,巴斯夸尔就已经开始日夜祈祷了.因为在这以前早已把下周以内行刑的大致日期通知了他.打这以后,他就开始让自己两手、两膝匍伏在地,在牢房里爬来爬去,老是吻地板,舔基督背十字架的铜像的脚.他有一对兄妹刚从意大利来,一连好几次看望他,所以在一定的时间里他就被带到老死牢去跟兄妹晤面.不过,正如大伙儿现下窃窃私语所说,巴斯夸尔早已神经错乱,兄妹他们也无能为力了.
整天整夜,只要不跟兄妹们晤面,他就是那样在牢房里爬来爬去,嘴里咕哝着祷告.那些夜不成寐,原想看书消磨时间的同监犯人,硬着头皮不得不听他含糊不清地一面祈祷、一面拨动念珠的声响.与此同时,他还一遍又一遍,不知其数地呼唤圣父和万福马利亚.
虽然偶尔有些人会说:"啊,谢天谢地,哪怕是他能睡上一会儿也好."可他还是照样不断地念.还有他在祈祷时让额角磕响地板的声音——就这样一直到行刑的前一天,巴斯夸尔这才从自己牢房移押到老死牢里另一间牢房去.克莱德后来知道,在转天清早以前,如果说有人来看他,那就去老死牢那里跟他最后诀别.此外,还给了他一两个钟头时间,让他的灵魂做好准备去见创世主.
可是这一天,整整一个通宵,关在这座致命的监狱里的所有犯人,都给吓懵了.晚餐很少有人吃得下,从收走的餐盘就可以说明.牢房里一片沉寂——在这以后,有好几个人在含糊不清地祈祷——他们知道自己也不会多久就得到跟巴斯夸尔同样的命运了.有一个意大利人,因为杀过银行里的一个门卫被判处死刑,现在歇斯底里大发作,一个劲儿大声尖叫,把自己牢房里桌子椅子往钉上铁条的牢门上猛摔,并把铁床上被单撕得稀碎,甚至还想把自己掐死.后来,他终于被制服了,移押到另一个牢房去,因为他神志不清,需要特别监护.
至于别的一些犯人,在这慌乱的时刻,人们可以听见他们一直在牢房里踱来踱去,含糊不清地祈祷,或是招呼狱警给他们做点什么事.至于克莱德,他从来没有经历过或是想象过会有这种场面,简直惊恐得浑身上下瑟瑟发颤.巴斯夸尔一生中这个最后一夜,克莱德就躺在自己小床上,彻夜通宵驱散骇人的恶梦.唉,在这里,死——原来就是这样的:人们号叫,祈祷,他们都疯狂了,尽管他们还是惊恐万状,死这个骇人的进程决没有停止不前.十点钟,为了让还活着的犯人安静下来,送来了一顿冷餐——不过除了克莱德对面那个中国人以外,谁都没有动过.
转天凌晨四点钟,监狱里专管这一骇人任务的人,一声不响沿着那条宽敞走廊过来,把各个牢门口深绿色厚门帘一一放下来,莫让有人看见这一死亡的行列从老死牢出来,顺着横穿而过的走廊向行刑室走去.殊不知克莱德和所有其他犯人一听见声音就全都醒了,一下子坐了起来.
该是行刑的时候啦!死亡的时辰已敲响了.这是一个信号.各个牢房里很多犯人,或是骇怕,或是后悔,或是与生俱有的宗教感情,又一次想到从信仰中给自己寻求庇护和安慰,就两膝下跪,开始祈祷起来.另有一些犯人,只是在牢房里踱来踱去,或是给自己咕哝着些什么.还有一些犯人,由于一阵抑制不住的恐惧,不时大声尖叫着.
至于克莱德,他已经僵化,一气不吭,几乎失去了知觉.就在此刻,行刑室那儿,他们要把那个人杀死了.那张电椅——许久以来简直让他吓破了胆的那张电椅,就在那儿——如今日益逼近了.不过,据他母亲和杰夫森告诉他,都说他的时间还很长、很长呢——如果——如果要到的话——如果——如果——
这时却又传来别的一些声音了.是谁在走来走去的脚步声.不知是在敲哪儿的一道牢门.接着,显然是从老死牢通往这里的那道门打开了——因为现在听得见有一个声音——还有几个声音,只是不太清晰罢了.随后是另一个声音,比较清晰些,仿佛有人在祈祷.这队行列经过那走廊时,传来了脚步在地上拖曳的声音,仿佛是在警告在押犯人似的:"主啊,可怜可怜我们吧.基督啊,可怜可怜我们吧."
"马利亚,慈悲的圣母,马利亚,仁慈的圣母,圣·米迦勒,为我祈祷吧;我的好天使,为我祈祷吧."
"圣母马利亚,为我祈祷吧;圣·约瑟,为我祈祷吧.圣·安布罗斯,为我祈祷吧;所有的圣徒和天使,为我祈祷吧."
"圣·米迦勒,为我祈祷,我的好天使,为我祈祷吧."
这是来自即将被处决的犯人身边那位牧师的声音,是在朗诵启应祷文.据说,此人早已方寸大乱了.可他不是也在喃喃自语吗?是的,是他的声音.克莱德听得出来.这个声音近来他听得太多了.此刻,那另一道门就要开了.他要从门口往里头张望——这个犯人——马上就要死了——他会看见——这一切——他会看见——那顶盔帽——那些带子.啊,所有这些东西是什么样儿的,现在他全知道了,虽说这些东西也许永远不会戴到他身上.
"再见了,卡特龙尼!"这是来自附近牢房里一个粗鄙发颤的声音——克莱德不能断定是哪一间的."到极乐世界去吧."随后是另外一些声音,说:"再见了,卡特龙尼.上帝保佑你——哪怕是你不会说英语."
这一行列走过去了.那道门关上了.他已关在那里头了.毫无疑问,此刻正在给他拴上带子了.问他还有什么话要说——其实,他早已不省人事了.现在,想必带子都已拴紧了.那顶盔帽也给拉下来了.只要一眨眼,一眨眼,当然罗——
当时克莱德虽然并不知道,也没有注意——这个牢房里所有灯光,乃至于整座监狱的灯光突然一暗.不知是哪个白痴或是毫无头脑的人竟然想得出来,让行刑的电椅跟整座监狱的照明合用同一个电源.于是,马上有一个声音在嚷嚷:
"开闸了.这下子,嘿,他就完蛋了."
另一个声音说:"是啊,最后断气了,倒霉鬼."
也许过了一分钟吧,灯又一次暗下来,暗了三十秒钟——
最后第三次暗下来.
"得了——现在准是——全完了."
"是啊.那边世界究竟是怎样的,现在他可亲眼看到啦."
随后是一片沉寂——死一般的沉寂.只听见到处有人在喃喃自语地祈祷.可是克莱德浑身冰凉,好象得了疟疾直发颤.他连想都不敢想——更不用说哭号了.反正照例都是这个样子的.先是让门帘拉下来了.然后——然后.巴斯夸尔连影儿也没了.电灯暗了三次.当然罗,那是通上电了.这么多天来他夜夜还在祈祷呢.如此呻吟号叫!如此狠命地往地上磕头!一分钟前,他还活着——从走廊那儿走过.可现在他死了.有朝一日他——他!——他怎能担保说他就不会这样呢?难道说他自己能担保?
他俯伏在小床上,脸儿朝下,浑身不断在抖索.监狱管理人员过来了,把门帘拉了起来——显然他们活得很平静、很安稳,好象世界上压根儿就没有死亡这等事似的.稍后,他听见有人在走廊里说话——不是跟他在说话——他至今一直保持缄默——仅仅是跟他贴邻的人说说话.
可怜的巴斯夸尔!死刑这一大套,压根儿就是要不得的.典狱长就是这么想的.他们也是这么想的.典狱长正在为废除死刑做出努力哩.
可是那个卡特龙尼呀!他的祈祷!现在他连影儿也没有了.那儿他的牢房空了,别人马上就会被安置进去——不过这个人早晚也得走.在这间牢房里,早先就有人——很多很多的人——有如卡特龙尼一样,有如他自己一样——在这儿待过——躺在这张小床上.他站了起来——坐到椅子上.可是,他——他们——也曾经在那张椅子上面坐过呀.他站了起来——只好还是倒在小床上."天哪!天哪!天哪!天哪!天哪!"现在他自言自语地重复念叨着——不过声音不大——但是,跟他入狱后头一天晚上把他吓倒的那个犯人的声音并没有什么两样.而现在那个犯人还在这里,不过,很快他也要去了.而且,所有这些人——也许还包括他自己在内,都会是这样的——除非——除非——
克莱德终于第一次看到了犯人是怎样服死刑的.
回复 引用 新鲜事
顶端
« 返回列表
发帖 回复