The general opinion was that Ned had followed his stepfather to the mill, intending to attack him, that he had stumbled onto the coil of rope, and the idea occurred to him of tying it across the road and upsetting the gig on its return.

Charlie's evidence as to the savage assault upon his brother had created a stronger feeling of sympathy than had before prevailed, and had the line of defense been that, smarting under his injuries, Ned had suddenly determined to injure his stepfather by upsetting the gig, but without any idea of killing him, the general opinion would have been that under such provocation as Ned had received a lengthened term of imprisonment would have been an ample punishment.
More than one, indeed, were heard to say, "Well, if I were on the jury, my verdict would be, Served him right." Still, although there was greater sympathy than before with Ned, there were few, indeed, who doubted his guilt.
After Ned was removed from court he was taken back by the chief constable to his house, and ten minutes later he was summoned into the parlor, where he found Charlie and Lucy waiting him.

Lucy, who was now ten years old, sprang forward to meet him; he lifted her, and for awhile she lay with her head on his shoulder and her arms round his neck, sobbing bitterly, while Charlie clung to his brother's disengaged hand.
"Don't cry, Lucy, don't cry little woman; it will all come right in the end;" but Lucy's tears were not to be stanched.

Ned sat down, and after a time soothed her into stillness, but she still lay nestled up in his arms.
"It was dreadful, Ned," Charlie said, "having to go into court as a witness against you.

I had thought of running away, but did not know where to go to, and then Mr.Porson had a talk with me and told me that it was of the greatest importance that I should tell everything exactly word for word, just as it happened.