"But, my dear sir, if the magistrates leave us a free hand to do our duty, why can't we leave them a free hand to do theirs? The issue we have to decide upon is a very simple one; the responsibility of acting on that decision will be theirs."
Mr. Plummer settled his spectacles on his nose and was silent. Captain Rudd addressed him.
"I suppose you will not deny, sir, that all the evidence goes to prove the prisoner's guilt?"
"There are degrees in guilt."
"Possibly--but you admit that there is guilt, even though it may only be in the positive degree?"
Again Mr. Plummer was still. Mr. Slater called to Mr. Longsett across the table:
"You're a sportsman, Jacob, and I'm a sportsman. I tell you what I'll do. I'll toss you, guilty or not guilty. I can't stop messing about here all day--I've got my beasts to dress."
Mr. Longsett was obviously tempted; the offer appealed to the most susceptible part of him. Still, he shook his head.
"No," he grunted, as if the necessity of announcing such a refusal pained him. "I shan't."
Mr. Plummer was scandalised.