Fortunately, the assizes were fixed for the middle of the ensuing month: Brereton accordingly had three weeks wherein to prepare his defence--or (which would be an eminently satisfactory equivalent) to definitely fix the guilt on some other person.
Christopher Pett, as legal adviser to the murdered man, had felt it his duty to remain in Highmarket until the police proceedings and the coroner's inquest were over.

He had made himself conspicuous at both police-court and coroner's court, putting himself forward wherever he could, asking questions wherever opportunity offered.

Brereton's dislike of him increased the more he saw of him; he specially resented Pett's familiarity.

But Pett was one of those persons who know how to combine familiarity with politeness and even servility; to watch or hear him talk to any one whom he button-holed was to gain a notion of his veneration for them.

He might have been worshipping Brereton when he buttoned-holed the young barrister after Harborough had been finally committed to take his trial.
"Ah, he's a lucky man, that, Mr.Brereton!" observed Pett, collaring Brereton in a corridor outside the crowded court.