Thus all Rufford was
interested in the case.
Lord Rufford, Sir George Penwether, his Lordship's agent, and Mr.
Gotobed, had been summoned as witnesses,--the expenditure of money
by the Senator having by this time become notorious; and on the
morning of the trial they all went into the town in his Lordship's
drag. The Senator, as the guest, was on the box-seat with his
Lordship, and as they passed old Runce trotting into Rufford on his
nag, Mr. Gotobed began to tell the story of yesterday's meeting,
complaining of the absurdity of the old farmer's anger.
"Penwether told me about it," said the Lord.
"I suppose your tenant is a little crazy."
"By no means. I thought he was right in what he said, if I
understood Penwether."
"He couldn't have been right. He turned from me in disgust simply
because I tried to explain to him that a rogue has as much right to
be defended by the law as an honest man."
"Runce looks upon these men as vermin which ought to be hunted
down."
"But they are not vermin. They are men; and till they have been
found guilty they are innocent men."
"If a man had murdered your child, would he be innocent in your
eyes till he was convicted?"
"I hope so;--but I should be very anxious to bring home the crime
against him. And should he be found guilty even then he should not
be made subject to other punishment than that the law awards.
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