As the judge took his seat upon the bench, Mr. Edgar rose.
“My lord,” he said, “I have had an interview with the prisoner, and upon the result of that interview I have to ask your lordship to adjourn the trial until next sessions.”
A murmur of astonishment ran through the court.
The judge looked grave.
“This is a very unusual application, Mr. Edgar, at such a period. I do not know that I should be warranted in adjourning the trial, unless you can assure me that you have evidence directly bearing upon the alleged murder, evidence which has only just come into your possession.”
An older man might have made the assertion with brazen confidence, but Mr. Edgar labored under the disadvantage of being a young and honest man.
“As to evidence, my lord,” he began, with a slight hesitation.
But Mr. Sewell rose.
“My lord,” he said, “it is my duty to oppose the application of my learned friend. If, as your lordship said, he had come into possession of material evidence, I, as representing the Crown, should certainly not oppose his application. But I would point out to your lordship that, as we think, our chain of evidence for the prosecution is complete and unbroken, and I submit that the adjournment would be both unusual and uncalled for.”
“I am afraid I must agree with Mr. Sewell,” said the judge, gravely. “The trial must proceed; we must go on.”