10/29 Pray, if you get an opportunity urge upon his mother that her talk will do Ned horrible damage and may cost him his life. I shall at once go and instruct Wakefield to appear for him, if he is taken, and to obtain the best professional assistance for his defense. I feel completely unhinged by the news, the boy has been such a favorite of mine ever since I came here; he has fought hard against his faults, and had the makings of a very fine character in him. God grant that he may be able to clear himself of this terrible accusation!" Ned's first examination was held on the morning after he had given himself up, before Mr.Simmonds and Mr.Thompson.The sitting was a private one. The man who first found Mr.Mulready's body testified to the fact that a rope had been laid across the road. |