"
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. 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.
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