It's a thousand pities he takes up the line of denying it altogether.

If he were to say, what is no doubt the truth, that having been brutally beaten he put the rope across the road intending to punish and even injure his stepfather, but without any intention of killing him, I think under the circumstances of extreme provocation, and what interest we could bring to bear on the matter, he would get off the capital punishment, for the jury would be sure to recommend him to mercy.

I shall privately let Green and Porson, who are evidently acting as his friends in the matter, know that I think it would be far better for him to tell the truth and throw himself on the mercy of the crown." "They may not find him guilty," Mr.Thompson said.

"The jury will see that he received very strong provocation; and after all, the evidence is, so far as we know at present, wholly circumstantial, and unless the prosecution can bring home to him the possession of the rope, it is likely enough they will give him the benefit of the doubt." "His life is ruined anyhow," Mr.Simmonds said.

"Poor lad! poor lad! Another fortnight and I was going to apply for a commission for him.
I wish to heavens I had done so at Christmas, and then all this misery would have been spared." As soon as Ned had been led back to the cell Mr.Porson obtained permission to visit him.