Hawkins First prize.
Job Honourable mention."
Much earlier in the evening an application had been made by way of
finding out how far the Judge "would go," as the man tests the wheels
of an express. Every wheel had a good ring. He was prepared for a long
run. Every case was to be struck out if the parties were not there.
After a while a feeling of compunction seemed to come over him.
"One moment," said he, after the case in hand had proceeded for an
hour or so. "This case seems as if it will occupy some time; it is the
last but three of the common jury cases, and--I mean to say--if the
gentlemen of the special jury like to go till--seven o'clock this
evening, they may do so, or they may amuse themselves by sitting in
court listening to this case."
There was a shuffling of feet and a murmur like that of bees.
"Gentlemen," he said, "do whatever will be most agreeable to
yourselves. I only wish to consider your comfort and convenience."
"A damned pretty convenience," said a special juryman, "to be kept
here all night!"
"Return punctually at seven, gentlemen, please; you are released till
then."
Any person who knows Nottingham and has to spend in that city two
weary hours, between 5 o'clock and 7 p.m., wandering up and down that
vast market-place, will understand the state of mind to which those
special jurymen were reduced when they indulged in audible curses.
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