g of compunction seemed to come over him.

"One moment," said he, after the case in hand had proceeded for an
hour or so. "This case seems as if it will occupy some time; it is the
last but three of the common jury cases, and--I mean to say--if the
gentlemen of the special jury like to go till--seven o'clock this
evening, they may do so, or they may amuse themselves by sitting in
court listening to this case."

There was a shuffling of feet and a murmur like that of bees.

"Gentlemen," he said, "do whatever will be most agreeable to
yourselves. I only wish to consider your comfort and convenience."

"A damned pretty convenience," said a special juryman, "to be kept
here all night!"

"Return punctually at seven, gentlemen, please; you are released till
then."

Any person who knows Nottingham and has to spend in that city two
weary hours, between 5 o'clock and 7 p.m., wandering up and down that
vast market-place, will understand the state of mind to which those
special jurymen were reduced when they indulged in audible curses.

There was, however, an element in this condition of things which his
lordship had not taken into consideration, and that was the _Bar_.

Several members were unnecessarily detained by this order of the
court. Their mess was at the George Hotel; at seven they must be in
court or within its precincts; at seven they dined. They chose the
precincts, and sending for their butler, ordered the mess to be
brought to the vacant Judge's room, the second Judge having gone away.

At seven the mess was provided, and those who were not engaged in
court sat down with a good appetite and a feeling of delightful
exultation.

Meanwhile his lordship proceeded with his work, while the temperature
was 84 deg.. Juries wiped their faces, and javelin-men leaned on their
spears.

Now and then the sounds of revelry broke upon the ear as a door was
opened.

At ten his lordship rose for a few moments, and on proceeding along
the corridor towards his room for his cup of tea, several champagne
bottles stood boldly in line before his eyes. He also saw two pairs
of legs adorned with yellow stockings--legs of the Sheriff's footmen
waiting to attend his lordship's carriage some hours hence.

The scene recalled the scenes of other days, and the old times of the
Home Circuit came back. Should he adjourn and join the mess? No, no;
he must not give way. He had his tea, and went back to court. He
was not very well pleas