It was a name, I believe, the men called him, and Ned got it from them." "I believe that your stepfather had received threatening letters, had he not ?" "Yes, sir, several; he was afraid to put his new machines to work because of them." "Thank you, that will do," Mr.Wakefield said.

"I have those letters in my possession," he went on to the magistrates.

"They are proof that the deceased had enemies who had threatened to take his life.

Shall I produce them now ?" "It is hardly worth while, Mr.Wakefield, though they can be brought forward at the trial.

I may say, indeed, that we have seen some of them already, for it was on account of these letters that we applied for the military to be stationed here." It was not thought necessary to call Mrs.Mulready; but the servant gave her evidence as to what she had heard of the quarrel, and as to the absence of Ned from home that night.
"Unless you are in a position to produce evidence, Mr.Wakefield, proving clearly that at the time the murder was committed the prisoner was at a distance from the spot, we are prepared to commit him for trial." Mr.Wakefield intimated that he should reserve his evidence for the trial itself, and Ned was then formally committed.
The examination in no way altered the tone of public opinion.