through Marsden, and the courthouse was crowded at the sitting of
the magistrates on Thursday.

There were two magistrates on the bench. Mr. Thompson the local
banker, and Squire Simmonds of Lathorpe Hall, three miles from the
town. Several minor cases were first disposed of, and then Ned's name
was called. Captain Sankey had been accommodated with a seat near
the magistrates, with both of whom he had some personal acquaintance.
Ned was sitting by the side of the lawyer whom his father had
retained to defend him; he now moved quietly into the dock, while
Mr. Hathorn, with his arm in a sling, took his place in the witness
box.

Ned had recovered now from his fit of passion, and looked amused
rather than concerned as the schoolmaster gave his evidence as to
the fray in the schoolroom.

"I have a few questions to ask you, Mr. Hathorn," Mr. Wakefield,
Ned's lawyer, said. "Had you any reason for expecting any outbreak
of this kind among your boys?"

"None whatever," Mr. Hathorn said.

"You use the cane pretty freely, I believe, sir."

"I use it when it is necessary," Mr. Hathorn replied.

"Ah, and how often do you consider it necessary?"

"That must depend upon circumstances."