'Did they threaten you?' 'No, sir. Only the first one did that.' 'And him you cannot swear to? Is there any other witness who can swear to him?' It did not appear that there was. Shuck addressed the magistrate, his tone one of injured innocence. 'It is not to be borne that I should be dragged up here like a felon, your worship. I was not near the place at the time; I am as innocent as your worship is. Is it likely _I_ should lend myself to such a thing? My mission among the men is of a higher nature than that.' 'Whether you are innocent or not, I do not know,' said his worship; 'but I do know that this is a state of things which cannot be tolerated. I will give my utmost protection to these workmen; and those who dare to interfere with them shall be punished to the extent of the law: the ringleaders especially. A person has just as much right to come to me and say, "You shall not sit on that bench; you shall not transact the business of a magistrate," as you have to prevent these industrious men working to earn a living. It is monstrous.' 'Here's the witness we have waited for, please your worship,' spoke one of the policemen. It was Austin Clay who came forward. He bowed to the magistrate, who bowed to him: they occasionally met at the house of Mr. Hunter. Austin was sworn, and gave his evidence up to the point when he turned the light of the lantern upon the tall assailant of White. 'Did you recognise the man?' asked the Bench. 'I did, sir. It was Samuel Shuck.' Sam gave a howl, protesting that it was _not_--that he was a mile away from the spot. 'I recognised him as distinctly as I recognise him at this moment,' said Austin. 'He had a woollen scarf on his chin, and a cap covering his ears, no doubt assumed for disguise, but I knew him instantly. What is more, he saw that I knew him; I am sure he did, by the way he slunk off. I also recognised his laugh.' 'Did you take the lantern with you purposely?' asked the clerk of the court. 'I did,' replied Austin. 'A hint was given me in the course of yesterday afternoon, that an attack upon our men was in agitation. I determined to discover the ringleaders, if possible, should it take place, and not to let the darkness baffle justice, as was the case in the attack upon Baxendale. For this purpose I put the lantern in readiness, and had the men watched when they left the yard. As soon as the assault began, my messenger returned to tell me.' 'You hit upon a good plan, Mr. Clay.' Austin smiled. 'I think I did,' he answered.