We may get a recommendation to mercy, though I believe it to be extremely unlikely.

But if so, the influence of the judge, according to what I hear, will probably be against us.

The prosecution have got together extremely strong evidence--as to Hurd's long connection with the gang, in spite of the Raeburns' kindness--as to his repeated threats that he would 'do for' Westall if he and his friends were interrupted--and so on.

His own story is wholly uncorroborated; and Dynes's deposition, so far as it goes, is all against it." He went on to elaborate these points with great clearness of exposition and at some length; then he paused.
"This being so," he resumed, "the question is, what can be done?
There must be a petition.

Amongst my own party I shall be, of course, able to do something, but we must have men of all sides.