Yet in this galaxy of talent the Chief Justice was as usual the dominating figure. His commanding height marked him out. His ruddy, weather-beaten complexion setting off his fine dark eyes, his genial expression suggesting a quiet sense of humor, his obvious indifference to dress, and his loose-jointed awkwardness, all these combined to make a pleasing impression of naturalness and sincerity. He and Colonel Burr were not strangers. They had known each other in Washington when Burr was in the Senate and Marshall in the House. Marshall, too, when Chief Justice, had appeared both as spectator and witness at the Chase trial. The proceedings at the tavern were brief. Hay had objected to the locale in the first place--it was the strategy of the prosecution to keep popular emotion high by putting on a public spectacle. He consented to the meeting in the tavern only on condition that, if arguments were needed, they would be heard at the Courthouse behind the Capitol. It was the not unwelcome task of Nicholas Perkins to give a dramatic account of the detection of Colonel Burr under his disguise, his arrest, and the long and tedious journey from Alabama to Richmond. He spoke his piece with evident relish. When he had finished Hay submitted a motion in writing that the prisoner be committed on the charges both of treason and high misdemeanor. Counsel agreed that argument would be necessary. Hay then moved adjournment to the Courthouse and the motion was granted. The Chief Justice released Colonel Burr on bail at $2,500 for his appearance there at 10 A.M. on the morrow. Until then he was free to go about the town as he pleased. When, next day, at the appointed hour the Chief Justice took his seat on the bench, the courtroom was filled to overflowing while a large crowd outside clamored for admission. It was a half hour after the time set for the hearing when Colonel Burr at last arrived. He apologized for keeping the Court waiting, explaining that he had misapprehended the hour. Rather than disappoint those who could not find a place in the courtroom, the Chief Justice consented to move the hearing to the great hall of the House of Delegates in the Capitol nearby. This was a shabby chamber, unimpressive except for its size; it could accommodate a large crowd and, before the trial was over, all its space was going to be needed.