The Mark of Cain by Carolyn Wells

The case of "The People _vs._ Kane Landon" was before the court and jury. Few, if any, of the listening audience realized the great amount of time, thought and skill that had been expended in preparation or had any idea of the care with which the district attorney had framed his opening speech.

Whiting well knew the responsibility resting on the jury's first impression of the case, and also their judgment of himself. He knew too, his jurors' records, and he was alert and alive to all the effects of his short but comprehensive statement.