Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1891-11-19
CHAPTER XIV.
THE CRIMINAL COURT.


We reached Charing Cross at 4 O'Clock OH
the morning of September 2o.h. The first
train bv which we could get to Tewnham
was timed to leave Liverpool Street at seven,
so that we had an hour or two to spare for
such rcfrcshmant as we cared to take. sucn
rest as we dared to allow ourselves. What
with the fatigue of continuous travel, and
the dread OF what this day was to bring
forth, i; may be easily believed that we were
thoroughly worn out. We were, indeed,
more fitted to go to bed and sleep for a
week, than to proceed upon the last stage
of our dismal journey.
But there was no help for it. Ii we meant
to be in time, we must go on by the early
morning train. begged my wife to lie
down, and endeavor to snatch an hours
sleep. She refused firmly. Much of that
calm which had characterized her since the
moment when broke the fatal news to her
had vanished Its place was now taken by
an excitement suppressed, but nevertheless
clearly manifest to my eyes. The fear that
we should not reach Tewnham in time for
the trial seemed to haunt her increasingly.
1t was for this reason she so peremptorily
refused to lie down and court sleep. She
feared lest, Our eyes once closed, we should,
so miss the morning train. She was ever
picturing the horror of that poor unknown
mans being led from the dock, with the
death sentence ringing in his ears.
SO the time which elapsed before we start
cd for Tcwnham we spent in the hotel. 1
bespoke rooms by telegram, sent when we
reached Folkestone. We made al apology
for g meal; in fact, what we could get at
hat - ~l,ts
than apology. We sat all but silent, watch
ing the hands of the clock, which told us
how fast the precious moments were pass
ing away. We saw the gray morning strug-
gle with. and at last conquer, the yellow
gas-lght. We heard the hum Of traffic grow
ing louder and louder in the streets below
us. Then we turned to make what may be
rightly called our last adieus. Who could
say that to-day my wife and might not be
parted forever?
While at the hotel ! tried to obtain the
file of the Times. wanted to look back
and see II could find the account of magis-
teral proceedings against this unlucky
William Evans. He must, of course, have
appeared before the lesser tribunal, and
could see the account OF his appearance,
should be able to judge as to the strength of
the case against him. But the file was not
forthcoming. Perhaps it did not exist; per-
haps the sleepy-eyed Teutonic waiter did
not understand what ] wanted; so, still in
the dark as to why suspicion should have
fallen upon this Innooe nj man, We left the
hotel and drove to Liverpool Street Station.
At nine O'Clock our journey was ended.
We stood on the platform of Tewnham rail-
way-station. My poor wife wore thick
black veil, SO her fac, could not see; but
knew 1t was So pale as death. Now and
again her hand, which rested on my arm,
pressed 1t convulsively. l think we were
the most unhappy pair on the earth!
We were even denied the time for any
more farewells or expressed regrets. The
hour was Ginning from the old cathedral
tower. TheSbusiness of the Courts, knew,
always began at ten o'clock. and consider.
ing the crowd which would most surely be
attracted by SO interesting a case as this
trial for murder committed so many months
ago. felt sure that unless we proceeded Mt
once to the Shirehall, our chance of gaining
entrance would be but small one. hailed
one of the close cabs which were waiting
outside the station.
AS did so l felt a heavy hand laid upon
my shoulder. and heard rich, PLEASANT
sounding, and not unfamiliar voice exclaim,
Basil North, as I'm sinner!'
That any one should at this moment adj
| dress Basil North in merry way seemed a
positive incongruty. turned round almost
angrily, and found myself face to faca with
| an old friend. He was a barrister named
Grant; man four or five ye, my senior,
but one with whom. before forsworc the
nf my foll 7 ho.l
innate terms. had not seen him for con.
| siderable time: but had heard, casually, that
he was making great strides in his forensic
career.
In spite of my distress I returned his
greeting. and grasped his hand warmly
After all it seemed a relief to find that had
friend left in the world.
What brings you here?" asked.
1.-THE only thing that could bring me tO
| such place--circuit work. l have an i'm.
portant case on to-day. That's the worst oi
| place SO near London as this one. One Il
tempted to spend the nights in town, which
means getting up at All unholy hour in the
morning. But you! Why are you here?
heard you were As rich as Midas, and living
abroad in luxury"
Il have been abroad for some time
hope to 60 back again very SOON"
Happy man" he calculated. / coult
scarcely keep the bitter smile from nv lin,
as thought how ill-applied were his words
As he spoke he glanced at Philppa, whose
grace and beauty of form defied the conceal
ment attempted by thick veil aud sombel
| garments.
But what brings you 10 this sleepy OLE
town. continued Grant.
l hesitated for a moment. Then. think
ing that truth, or at least half truth, was tn,
best, told him had come down TO witness
the trial for murder.
| Il should doubt your getting into court
he said. ''rhe morbid interest excite,
around here Is, am told, very great. Tn,
sheriff Is besieged by applications for tick
| Couldn't YOU help me? The fact ID
have particular reason, not mere curiosity
for wishing tn he nresAnt ~ THE trial -