The Wreck of the South Pole and Other Strange Tales — page 65: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

58 The Wreck of the South Pole. was being concentrated upon them was of such power that they could move only as the judge desired. There was really little examination of the witnesses themselves, the principal part of the trial consisting of the policemen’s testimony. As we entered, the sergeant of the platoon which had the burglars in surveillance was speaking. ‘Six months ago,” he said, “these men were brought into the inner court and the records read concerning them. Three at that time were friends and conspiring to rob. The minds of the others were tainted with the same dis- ease, but as yet had formed no combination. Since then I and my division have been keeping them under con- stant surveillance. Each possesses a strong will, which he placed in opposition to that of the seven judges. Three months ago the whole band drew closer together. They had not at that time settled upon any particular house to rob, but frequently held communication with one an- other upon the injustice of some men being rich while others were poor, and some men honored with office while others were but common citizens in a land which teaches the equality of man. Gradually this idea grew in their minds until they determined upon an equal division of wealth, and to carry out this idea decided upon robbing the wealthiest man in the city. Every preparation had been made and the robbery would have occurred last night had we not arrested them.” ‘Is this true?” asked the judge of the prisoners. “It is,’ they replied. For in court where there can be GoOmicbook (E(@)