Mr. Fenwick had scarcely begun before Mr. Sheriff How broke in on him, and argued with him concerning the murder of Sir Edmund.
"As for Sir Edmund Berry Godfrey," cried Mr. Fenwick, "I protest before
God that I never saw the man in my life."
"For my part," said the Sheriff, "I am of opinion that you had a hand in it."
"Now that I am a dying man," said the priest, "do you think that I would go and damn my soul?"
"I wish you all the good that I can," said Mr. How, "but I assure you I believe never a word you say."
Well; he let him alone after that; and Mr. Fenwick finished, once more denying and renouncing the part that had been assigned to him, and maintaining his innocence.
There followed after that a very long silence, of half an hour, I should think. The five men stood in the cart together, with their eyes cast down; and each, I think, absolved his neighbour. The crowd about kept pretty quiet, only murmuring together; and cried no more insults at them. I, too, did my best to pray with them and for them; but my horse was restless, and I had some ado to keep him quiet. After a good while, Mr. Sheriff How spoke to them again.
"Pray aloud, gentlemen, that we may join with you. We shall do you no hurt if we do you no good."
They said nothing to that; and he spoke again, with some sharpness.
"Are you ashamed of your prayers?"