The Wrong Man — page 75: what you’re looking at

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

a VERDIUt ANY SENTENCE. 7 _ @hurch edifice that through all coming ages should be a .iving moaument, etc., and who, to accomplish this Herculean and saint- and good task, was accustomed to make extensive journeys the trackless forest at the most inclement seasons of the year. I do not ask you, I say, to consider these, gentlemen "Twere a vain task. But, doubtless, beyond a peradventure, ou hare considered them ; and, without any further cireumlo- culion, or debate, or animadversion, I submit the case, knowing ntlomen, knowing, gentlemen, I say, that your magnani- pious consciences will not allow you to deviate from the greut and glorious path of rectitude.” Mr. Scroggs sad dewn in a halo of glory, slightly ciluted with saw-dust, while the jury and audience looked upon him with as much reverence as they would upon George Washing- ton, had he at that moment appeared among them. Dadley attempting no reply, the Judge arose to charge the jury. “Gentlemen of the Jury,” said he, “after the learned, elo- quent and forcible speech of Mr. Scroggs, the counsel for the scapes te. it is hardly necessary for me to say any thing. fyou think the prisoner ain’t guilty of the crime laid against ~ him—which I know you can’t think—why, all you got to do is to say so, and let him go about like a raging lion, seeking whom he may devour. But, if you think him guilty—which know ow must—say so, and I’il sentence him on the spot. That's — 6! - > - " Ve a ’ he 2 ’ ‘ a 7 The jury whispered together for a moment, and the foreman aruse. “ Haye you agreed upon a verdict?” asked the Judge. “ We have.” “ To you find the prisoner guilty or not guilty of the charge laid against him ?” TY ” _ “Sounds right. Stand up, Charles Dudley, and receive your sentence. You have-been found guilty, and I sentence you ~ to be hung by the neck until you're dead, three weeks from to- es In the mean time, you will be removed to prison.” y he verdict and sentence had been so rapid, and, withal, 3 there had been such an air of absurdity about the trial, that Nery) via alas Bc aad . * = ‘ Charles Dudley never, for a moment, zed that he was under seatence of death. en the sentence was pronounced, he felt a smile creeping’ over his face, which was not repressed as Nathan at that'moment, caught his glance, and gave a ‘knowing wink and nod, as if to signify that the affair was by no : . Amon the audience there was another witness, who, al- though little noticed, took a deep interest in the roceedings. This was Cato, the black boy, belonging to Mr. Bed) , "5 % | ey. To iim the proceedings wore an air of terrible reality. Du the speech of the prosecuting attorney, and the charge of the. . ; Fi *<- Solgeas : 2 ei comic