[Colonel Thorndyke’s Secret by G. A. Henty]@TWC D-Link bookColonel Thorndyke’s Secret CHAPTER III 33/36
The matter is serious enough for him as it stands, and he is certain to have a very heavy sentence. "Mr.Thorndyke, who takes no part in our deliberations, is most anxious that the prisoner's father should be spared the agony of his son being placed on trial on a capital charge, though I do not think that there would be the smallest chance of his being executed, for the judges would be certain to take his youth into consideration.
Had there been prima facie evidence of concealment, we must have done our duty and sent him to trial on that charge; but as there is no such evidence, I think that it will be in all respects better to send him on a charge on which the evidence is as clear as noonday.
Moreover, I think that Mr.Thorndyke's wishes should have some weight with us, seeing that it is entirely due to him that the important capture of these highwaymen, who have long been a scourge to this neighborhood, has been effected." Mr.Bastow had not been called as a witness.
John Thorndyke had brought him down to Reigate in a closed carriage, and he had waited in the justices' room while the examination went on; but the magistrates agreed that the evidence given was amply sufficient for them to commit upon without given him the pain of appearing.
John Thorndyke had taken him to another room while the magistrates were consulting together, and when he heard the result drove him back again. "I have fully made up my mind to resign my living, Thorndyke.
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