"Many things."
"What are they?"
"He should be free from prejudices."
"And so he is."
"And so he is not," said Mr. Willett, calmly but firmly. "He is my bitter enemy. He has been setting the good men of this place against me by his slanders and unblushing falsehoods. If you want this trial to be fair you must not begin by making officers of men who may find it to their interest to convict me."
"I mean to do what's fair," Shirley managed to say. "And I am not seeking this place. If you elect me I will serve, and do my whole duty like a man, forgetting the past bad character of this unfortunate man, Willett, who married my cousin and sent the poor woman to the grave by his cruelties."
This speech had a powerful effect on the mob, for the men began to stamp, and some of them yelled:
"Don't pay no heed to the prizner, but go right straight on with the trial!"
"Yes, we'll go on with the trial," said the judge, rapping for order, as if determined to have it or break the table.
Still cool and undaunted, Mr. Willett stood up till the storm had somewhat abated.