ith his note-book, and each prepared to listen attentively. No sooner
had they sat down than the counsel for the prosecution rose. Mr.
Bakewell was a man well known on the Northern Circuit. He had for many
years appeared in the Assize Courts of Manchester, and had been spoken
of as an able man. It had even been said of him that he cared more for
verdicts than for justice. But this did not seem to annoy him. After
all, the verdict is what a barrister has to think of. He had his
reputation to maintain, his case to win, and he was the counsel for the
prosecution. He had studied the case thoroughly, point by point. In
this instance, too, he was more than ordinarily interested. He had met
Paul Stepaside. On one occasion there had been a slight passage of
arms between them, and Paul had come off best in the encounter; and
ever since, Mr. Bakewell, while bearing no grudge against him, had been
somewhat chagrined that this young man, who had never been trained in
the law, should have got the better in their encounter.

"I am for the prosecution, my lord," he said, and sat down.

"Who is for the defence?" asked the judge.

This question was met by deathly silence.

"Have you no one to defend you?" asked the judge, turning towards Paul.
And even then both of them felt the incongruity of the situation.

"No," replied Paul.

"But I advise you very seriously to accept counsel for defence."

"No," replied Paul. "I wish no one." His voice rang out clearly in
the hall, even although he spoke in low tones. No one seemed to
breathe. What could be the meaning of such an attitude?

Again Judge Bolitho spoke:

"I repeat," he said, and his voice was very solemn, "that you will be
wise if you accept someone for defence. Mr. Langefield, now?" and he
nodded towards the man who had that same morning regretted Paul's
obstinacy in not securing his services.

"No," said Paul. "I must decline your lordship's suggestion. What
defence is offered I will offer myself."

"Of course this is not usual," said the judge. "And I think it my duty
to tell you that you will have a perfect right to cross-examine any
witness who may be called."

"Thank you, my lord."

The counsel for the prosecution here rose to address the jury and to
give a statement of the case. This he did in a lengthy speech, a
speech which showed that he had not only thoroughly studied the facts,
but had gone to some trouble to trace Paul's history.

"My