"
When Ned reached the magistrates at the appointed hour he found that
the inquiry was of a formal character. Besides the two justices,
Major Browne, who commanded the troops at Marsden, was present;
and the justices' clerk was there to take notes.
Mr. Simmonds greeted Ned kindly, Mr. Thompson stiffly. He was one
of those who had from the first been absolutely convinced that
the lad had killed his stepfather. The officer, who was of course
acquainted with the story, examined Ned with a close scrutiny.
"Will you take a seat, Ned?" Mr. Simmonds, who was the senior
magistrate, said. "We have asked you here to explain to us the meaning
of certain rumors which are current in the town of an attack upon
your mill."
"I will answer any questions that you may ask," Ned said quietly,
seating himself, while the magistrates' clerk dipped his pen in
the ink and prepared to take notes of his statement.
"Is it the case that the Luddites made an attack upon your mill
the night before last?"
"It is true, sir."
"Will you please state the exact circumstances."
"There is not much to tell," Ned said quietly. "I have for some
time been expecting an attack, having received many threatening
letters. I have, therefore, made a habit of sleeping in the mill,
and a month ago I got in twelve barrels of powder from Huddersfield.
Before going to bed of a night I always pile these in the middle
of the room where the looms are, which is the first as you enter.
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