reputation had been retained; but as the day came nearer, without
bringing any of the disclosures on which the Doctor had so securely
reckoned, more and more stress was laid on the dislike to convict on
circumstantial evidence, and on the saying that the English law had
rather acquit ten criminals than condemn one innocent man.




CHAPTER XIV



Ah! I mind me now of thronging faces,
Mocking eyed, and eager, as for sport;
Hundreds looking up, and in high places
Men arrayed for judgment and a court.

And I heard, or seemed to hear, one seeking
Answer back from one he doomed to die,
Pitifully, sadly, sternly speaking
Unto one--and oh! that one, twas I.--Rev. G. E. Monsell


The 'Blewer Murder' was the case of the Assize week; and the court
was so crowded that, but for the favour of the sheriff, Mr. and Mrs.
Rivers, with Tom and Gertrude, could hardly have obtained seats. No
others of the family could endure to behold the scene, except from
necessity; and indeed Ethel and Mary had taken charge of the sisters
at home, for Henry could not remain at a distance from his brother,