Page:Henry Northcote (IA henrynorthcote00snairich).pdf/255

 are bound, gentlemen, to keep that contingency constantly before our eyes. Such a contingency fills me with trembling; and I believe it fills you, for in this instance a miscarriage of justice would not only be irreparable, it would be a crime against our human nature.

"The question arises, how can we safeguard ourselves against this element of injustice? What means can we adopt to keep it out? Gentlemen, it devolves upon me, the advocate of the accused, to furnish that means. By taking thought I shall endeavor to provide it. To that end I propose to divide what I have to say to you into three parts. The first will deal with your legal duty. The second will deal with the duty to which every Christian Englishman must subscribe or forfeit his name, and with his name the title-deeds of his humanity. The third will show the consequences which must and do wait upon the evasion of this second duty, which is the highest and noblest known to mankind, which in itself completely transcends this legal one, this technical one you are sworn to obey."

"I can see he means to be all night," said Mr. Weekes to his junior, with marked irritation. "Lover of the sound of his own voice."

"He is going wrong already," said Mr. Topott complacently. "Saying too much; overdoing it generally."

"Every inch a performer," said Jumbo at the back to a companion. "There's a fortune in that voice and manner. Hope the lad won't say too much."

"Has done already," said his companion. "That