rowd. So great was the
interest created that many, who might not have been expected to witness
the scene, were so eager to be present that the officials were
inundated with applications for admission. Long before the court began
its sitting, the air was hot and tense with eager curiosity. Some,
indeed, talked casually and carelessly, as though a murder trial were
an everyday occurrence, but in the main the atmosphere was electric.
Men's faces were set and stern, and more than one woman showed signs of
hysteria. Outside, a great throng of people, who were unable to gain
admission, waited as if held by a spell. The ushers found difficulty
in maintaining anything like order. The hum of voices was heard
everywhere.

"I wonder how he'll look," said one. "I'll warrant he'll be as pale as
death."

"Nay," said another, "he's noan that soort. He'll look as proud as
ever. He'll mak it seem as though we were th' murderers, and he wur
innocent."

"Ay, but he must have had a terrible time!" said another. "He's been
waiting there for weeks. Just think of it! I've heerd he's given in,
too."

"Given in? What dost a' mean?"

"Ay, I've heerd as 'ow he's consented to have a counsel."

"Who has he got, then?"

"I don't know for certain, but it is said that young Mr. Springfield
hev took on th' job."

"But he can noan clear hissen."

"I'm noan so sure. He's a rare clever chap, is Paul!"

"It would be fun to see him swing, wouldn't it? It's a shame that they
hang people in private now, instead of in public like they used to."

And so on. To them it was like a scene in a theatre. Their appetites
were morbid, and they had come thither to appease their hunger.

One by one the barristers found their way to their seats. Clerks were
busy writing at their desks, while the reporters sat at the table
allotted to them, writing descriptive articles. To them the occasion
offered a fine opportunity. It was no ordinary trial. Paul Stepaside
was a young member of Parliament, and had become popular throughout the
whole county. He had been freely discussed as a coming man. What
wonder then that tongues wagged! What wonder the crowd eagerly waited
his coming!

The murdered man, too, was well known in the county. He was a big
employer of labour, and had freely moved in Lancashire society.

Sitting close to the barristers' seats, ladies belonging to some of the
best families in Lancashire had gathered. They, too, wer