They would have hung the man without a moment's thought of mercy had it been possible.

There was nothing they would not have done to rescue their Hester from his power.

But how was she to be rescued till the dilatory law should have claimed its victim?
'Can't she be made to come away by the police ?' asked the mother.
The barrister shook his head.

'Couldn't the magistrates give an order ?' asked the father.

Mr.Bolton had been a magistrate himself,--was one still indeed, although for some years he had not sat upon the bench,--but he had no very clear idea of a magistrate's power.