In the centre of the nave, only a few feet in front of the steps leading
to the apse, was a handsome pulpit and lectern (d). The pulpit was
raised some feet above the ground, and was so roomy that the preacher
could walk about in it. On either side of it there were cross benches
with backs (E and F); those on the right were reserved for the Mayor,
civic functionaries, and distinguished visitors, while those on the left
were for their wives and daughters.

Benches with backs (A, B, C, D) were placed about half-way down both nave
and aisles--those in the nave being divided so as to allow a free passage
between them. The rest of the temple was open space, about which people
might walk at their will. There were side doors (_e_, _j_, and _f_, _h_)
at the upper and lower end of each aisle. Over the main entrance was a
gallery in which singers were placed.

As my father was worming his way among the crowd, which was now very
dense, he was startled at finding himself tapped lightly on the shoulder,
and turning round in alarm was confronted by the beaming face of George.

"How do you do, Professor Panky?" said the youth--who had decided thus to
address him. "What are you doing here among the common people? Why have
you not taken your place in one of the seats reserved for our
distinguished visitors? I am afraid they must be all full by this time,
but I will see what I can do for you. Come with me."

"Thank you," said my father. His heart beat so fast that this was all he
could say, and he followed meek as a lamb.

With some difficulty the two made their way to the right-hand corner
seats of block C, for every seat in the reserved block was taken. The
places which George wanted for my father and for himself were already
occupied by two young men of about eighteen and nineteen, both of them
well-grown, and of prepossessing appearance. My father saw by the
truncheons they carried that they were special constables, but he took no
notice of this, for there were many others scattered about the crowd.
George whispered a few words to one of them, and to my father's surprise
they both gave up their seats, which appear on the plan as (_k_).

It afterwards transpired that these two young men were George's brothers,
who by his desire had taken the seats some hours ago, for it was here
that George had determined to place himself and my father if he could
find him. He chose these places because they would be near enough to