"Sir," said an old farmer, who had formed one of the jury during the
inquest, "with all his faults, old Mark was an honest man, and doubtless
he had good reasons for his conduct, and knew the lad better than we
did, as the result has proved."
"It has not been proved yet," said Frederic, "and I believe, however
strongly appearances are against him, that Anthony Hurdlestone never
committed the murder."
"Mr. Wildegrave, I am sorry to contradict a gentleman like you, but did
not Grenard Pike see him with his own eyes fire at the old man through
the window? And has he not known the lad from a baby?"
"He will be hung," said another farmer, riding up; "and that's not half
punishment enough for such a villain!"
"He should be torn to pieces," cried a third.
"He was a queer little boy," said a fourth; "I never thought that he
would come to any good."
"His uncle was the ruin of him," said a fifth. "If he had never taken
him from his father, the old man would have been alive this day."
"Oh hang him!" cried another. "I don't pity the old miser. He deserved
his death--but 'twas terrible from the hand of his own son."
"Old Mark is to have a grand funeral," said the first speaker. "He is to
be buried on Monday. All the gentlemen in the county will attend."
"It would break his heart, if he were alive," said another, "could he
but see the fine coffin that Jones is making for him.
Pages:
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353