"If we could give the plaintiff a reasonable verdict now it would probably settle the case for good."
If Judge Bosworth was impatient before, he was plainly vexed now, and he replied with some warmth:
"We cannot argue the matter with you nor permit you to argue it with us. We have considered the case carefully, and have directed a verdict for the defendant. We will not accept any other verdict. Our decision must stand until it is reversed by a higher court."
"I meant no disrespect to your Honor," said Juror No. 7, resuming his seat, "and I will of course obey the direction of the court; but, in my opinion, great injustice is being done."
Some of the jurors nodded as if in affirmance of that opinion. All of them sat, with flushed faces, amazed at the temerity of their fellow-juror, wondering what the court would do or say next. The court-room was so still that the dropping of the proverbial pin could have been heard. But Judge Bosworth did not deign to reply. He turned again, sharply, to the prothonotary:
"Mr. Gaylord," he said, "take the verdict."
The prothonotary did as he was bidden:
"Gentlemen of the jury, hearken unto your verdict as the court has it recorded. In the case wherein John Bradley is plaintiff, and the Malleson Manufacturing Company is defendant, you find for the defendant. And so say you all?"
The jurors nodded their heads. The Bradley case was at an end.
"Mr. Duncan," said the judge to the court crier, "you may adjourn court until ten o'clock to-morrow morning."
The aged crier arose and droned out:
"Hear ye! Hear ye! Hear ye! The several courts are now adjourned till to-morrow morning at ten o'clock."
It was not until then that Barry Malleson fairly recovered his breath. He and the rector had both arisen.
