The
majority were loud in expression of their sympathy with the dead
mill owner, recalling his cheery talk and general good temper.
Others were disposed to think that Ned had been driven to the act;
but among very few was there any doubt as to his guilt. It was
recalled against him that he had before been in the dock for his
assault upon Mr. Hathorn, and that it had been proved that he had
threatened to kill his master. His sullen and moody demeanor at the
marriage of his mother told terribly against him, and the rumors
of the previous quarrel when Ned had assaulted his stepfather, and
which, related with many exaggerations, had at the time furnished
a subject of gossip in the town, also told heavily to his disadvantage.
Williams having learned from the servant that Ned was in the habit
of going up to Varley had first made his inquiries there; but neither
Bill nor Luke Marner, who were, the constable speedily learned, his
principal friends there, had seen him. Varley was greatly excited
over the news of the murder. Many of the men worked at Mulready's
mill, and had brought back the news at an early hour, as all work
was of course suspended.
There was no grief expressed in Varley at Mr. Mulready's death,
indeed the news was received with jubilant exultation.
"A good job too," was the general verdict; and the constable felt
that were Ned in the village he would be screened by the whole
population.
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