aeburn with
his correspondence, and for some time he had been the practical, though
unrecognized, sub-editor of the "Idol-Breaker," but all his work had
been done out of pure devotion to the "cause." Nothing could have
pleased him more than to give his whole time to the work while his great
love and admiration for Raeburn eminently qualified him for the service
of a somewhat autocratic master.

Raeburn, with all his readiness to help those in any difficulty, with
all his geniality and thoroughness of character, was by no means the
easiest person to work with. For, in common with other strong and
self-reliant characters, he liked in all things to have his own way, and
being in truth a first-rate organizer, he had scant patience with other
people's schemes. Erica was very glad that he had made the proposal
to Tom for, though regretting that he should give his life to the
furtherance of work, much of which she strongly disapproved, she could
not but be relieved at anything which would save her father in some
degree from the immense strain of work and anxiety, which were now
altogether beyond the endurance of a single man, and bid fair to overtax
even Raeburn's giant strength.

Both Charles Osmond and Brian appeared as voluntary witnesses on behalf
of the plaintiff, and naturally the first few days of the trial were
endurable enough. But on the Friday the defense began, and it became
evident that the most bitter spirit would pervade the rest of the
proceedings. Mr. Pogson had spared neither trouble nor expense; he had
brought witnesses from all the ends of the earth to swear that, in some
cases twenty years ago, they had heard the plaintiff speak such and
such words, or seen him do such and such deeds. The array of witnesses
appeared endless; there seemed no reason why the trial ever should come
to an end. It bid fair to be a CAUSE CELEBRE, while inevitably Raeburn's
notoriety made the public take a great interest in the proceedings. It
became the topic of the day. Erica rarely went in any public conveyance
without hearing it discussed.

One day she heard the following cheering sentiment:

"Oh, of course you know the jury will never give a verdict for such a
fellow as Raeburn."

"I suppose they can't help being rather prejudiced against him because
of his views; but, upon my word, it seems a confounded shame." "Oh, I
don't see that," replied the first speaker. "If he holds such views, he
must expect to suffer for them