who could not get in that there was not standing room for another
person. There was a buzz of talk in court until the door opened
and six magistrates came in. It was observed that John Thorndyke
did not seat himself with the others, but moved his chair a little
apart from them, thus confirming the report that he was in some way
connected with the matter, and did not intend to take any part in
the decision. Then another door opened, and the three prisoners
were brought in. The two first were pale and evidently weak; one
had his head wrapped in bandages, the other had the right sleeve
of his coat cut off, and his arm bandaged and supported by a sling.
Both made a resolute effort to preserve a careless demeanor. The
third, who was some years younger than the others, looked round
with a smile on his lips, bowed to the magistrates with an air of
insolent bravado when he was placed in the dock, and then leaned
easily in the corner, as if indifferent to the whole business. A
chair was placed between his comrades for the use of the man whose
head was bandaged. Many among those present knew Arthur Bastow by
sight, and his name passed from mouth to mouth; but the usher called
loudly for silence, and then the magistrates' clerk rose.

"William Smith and John Brown--at least, these are the names
given--are charged with stopping the South Coast coach last night,
killing the guard, and robbing the passengers; and Arthur Bastow
is charged with aiding and abetting the other two prisoners, and
with guilty knowledge of their crime."

It was noticed by those who could see the prisoners' faces that,
in spite of Bastow's air of indifference, there was an expression
of anxiety on his face as the charge was read, and he undoubtedly
felt relief as that against himself was mentioned. The first witness