"Then, I decline to hear it. If you have anything to say to me, say it out, and openly. I decline any private communications."
"Nay, but it really interests those whom you love. Come a little closer to me, and I will speak it."
"Now," said Sir Richard, as he reached the front of the dock, "speak at once, and say what it is. The court is too indulgent to you."
"Is it, really!"
With the rapidity of thought, Todd drew a small table knife from the breast of his apparel, and made a stab at Sir Richard's neck with it; but the magistrate had had by far too long experience with such men as Todd to be so taken at unawares, and he dropped to the floor of the court before the point of the knife reached him. The Governor of Newgate sprung upon Todd, and disarmed him in a moment.
Todd, On His Trial, Attempts To Kill Sir Richard Blunt.
From seeing Sir Richard Blunt drop, the general impression in the court was, that he was killed, or seriously injured, by Todd; and in a moment a scene of unparalleled confusion arose. Everybody got up from their seats, and the place was full of cries.
"Kill him!" cried some.—"Down with him!" shouted others.—"Hang him at once! A surgeon for Sir Richard!"
Amid this Babel of confusion, Sir Richard Blunt rose again, and sprung upon the barrister's table, calling out in a loud voice that rose above every other sound—