Shannon, because the rules of evidence and court procedure here admitted of no interruption of the prosecution in presenting a case, then went on to describe from his own point of view how Cowperwood had first met Stener; how he had wormed himself into his confidence; how little financial knowledge Stener had, and so forth; coming down finally to the day the check for sixty thousand dollars was given Cowperwood; how Stener, as treasurer, claimed that he knew nothing of its delivery, which constituted the base of the charge of larceny; how Cowperwood, having it, misappropriated the certificates supposed to have been purchased for the sinking-fund, if they were purchased at all—­all of which Shannon said constituted the crimes with which the defendant was charged, and of which he was unquestionably guilty.

“We have direct and positive evidence of all that we have thus far contended, gentlemen,” Mr. Shannon concluded violently.  “This is not a matter of hearsay or theory, but of fact.  You will be shown by direct testimony which cannot be shaken just how it was done.  If, after you have heard all this, you still think this man is innocent—­that he did not commit the crimes with which he is charged—­it is your business to acquit him.  On the other hand, if you think the witnesses whom we shall put on the stand are telling the truth, then it is your business to convict him, to find a verdict for the people as against the defendant.  I thank you for your attention.”

The jurors stirred comfortably and took positions of ease, in which they thought they were to rest for the time; but their idle comfort was of short duration for Shannon now called out the name of George W. Stener, who came hurrying forward very pale, very flaccid, very tired-looking.  His eyes, as he took his seat in the witness-chair, laying his hand on the Bible and swearing to tell the truth, roved in a restless, nervous manner.

His voice was a little weak as he started to give his testimony.  He told first how he had met Cowperwood in the early months of 1866—­he could not remember the exact day; it was during his first term as city treasurer—­he had been elected to the office in the fall of 1864.  He had been troubled about the condition of city loan, which was below par, and which could not be sold by the city legally at anything but par.  Cowperwood had been recommended to him by some one—­Mr. Strobik, he believed, though he couldn’t be sure.  It was the custom of city treasurers to employ brokers, or a broker, in a crisis of this kind, and he was merely following what had been the custom.  He went on to describe, under steady promptings and questions from the incisive mind of Shannon, just what the nature of this first conversation was—­he remembered it fairly well; how Mr. Cowperwood had said he thought he could do what was wanted; how he had gone away and drawn up a plan or thought one out; and how he had returned and laid it before Stener.  Under Shannon’s skillful guidance Stener elucidated just what this scheme was—­which wasn’t exactly so flattering to the honesty of men in general as it was a testimonial to their subtlety and skill.