Summary

As the story begins, Laura Lee Kimble is sitting in a courtroom awaiting her trial. When her name is called, a policeman indicates to her that she should stand and then leads her to a rail in front of the judge. Aware that there is a great deal of animosity toward her by those in the courtroom, she looks straight ahead.

Laura Lee has spent the last three weeks in jail, and although she does not know what lies ahead for her - death by the electric chair, life in prison, or a mob lynching - she is resolved to be ready for whatever happens. She knows that this trial is merely a formality and is being held to show the community that justice will be served.

As the charges against her are read - felonious and aggravated assault, mayhem, premeditated...