Bobby Herrick was sound in wind and limb; healthy in heart and brain; but for a moment or two he sat dazed and helpless in face of the position that confronted him. The whole thing seemed unreal, impossible, and the monotonous calling of the names of the jurymen fell upon his ears like a buzzing sound of no intelligible significance. The faces in Court blended into a sort of misty phantasmagoria, until out of the mist one face immediately opposite him riveted his attention. Presently it stood out, distinct and well defined, with a watchful look in the dark and piercing eyes, and a sardonic smile on its upward curving lips. It was a face to be remembered; a face he was destined to see again in the course of those tragic episodes which the history of events in London was shortly to unfold. The Treasury Solicitor, he found, was plucking at his gown. “You must ask for an adjournment,” he whispered urgently; “it is the only thing to do.” Almost at the same moment the judge’s voice was heard. His lordship spoke with eye directed towards the vacant seats of the prosecuting counsel. “Where are your leaders, Mr Herrick?” Herrick rose amid the silence that succeeded the inquiry, conscious that every eye in Court was fixed upon him. “My lord,” he said, in a voice slightly tremulous at first, “by a most unfortunate and remarkable combination of events, my learned friends are prevented from being present.” “Surely not all of them!” exclaimed the judge. “I heard some rumour of an accident to Mr Boulton--is it true?” “He was attacked and maltreated in the street last night, my lord, and is now in hospital.” “Another example of the growing spirit of lawlessness which prevails in this city,” said the Chief Justice sternly. “I deplore the absence of Mr Boulton, especially for such a reason; but where is the Solicitor-General?” “I regret to inform your lordship that he has been seized with sudden and, I fear, serious illness.” “This is most extraordinary,” said the Chief Justice, leaning back and taking off his glasses. “Silence!” cried the usher, as a hum of subdued comment arose in the body of the Court. “What makes the position still more serious, my lord,” continued Herrick, “is the absence of Mr Dutton also, for reasons of a family nature.” “Is there no likelihood of his being here presently?” “He has been summoned to the north of England, and left Euston this morning, my lord, as stated in this telegram.” “A chapter of accidents, indeed! Well, Mr Herrick, _you_ are here.” “Yes, but being taken by surprise, I am quite unable to do justice to the prosecution, and my instructions are to ask your lordship to adjourn the trial.” “To that the defence cannot possibly assent,” interposed Mr Jacobs, on his feet instantly. “I speak at any rate for the prisoner whom I represent.” “I say the same on behalf of my client, my lord,” added Mr Brill. “Well, Mr Herrick----?” from the judge. “My learned friend is too modest,” said Jacobs.