THE CHANNINGS


                   CHAPTER I
                 THE INKED SURPLICE
 THE sweet bells of Helstonleigh Cathedral were ringing
 out in the summer's afternoon. Groups of people lined
the streets, more than the customary business of the day
would have brought forth; some pacing with idle steps,
some halting to talk with one another, some looking in
silence towards a certain point, as far as the eye could
reach; all waiting in expectation.
  It was the first day of Helstonleigh Assizes; that is,
the day on which the courts of law began their sittings.
Generally speaking, the commission was opened at
Helstonleigh on a Saturday; but for some convenience
in the arrangements of the circuit, it was fixed this
time for Wednesday; and when those cathedral bells
burst forth, they gave signal that the judges had
arrived and were entering the sheriff's carriage, which
had gone out to meet them.
  A fine sight, carrying in it much of majesty, was the
procession, as it passed through the streets with its
slow and stately steps; and although Helstonleigh saw
it twice a year, it looked at it with gratified eyes still,
and made the day into a sort of holiday.     The
trumpeters rode first, blowing the proud note of
advance; and the long line of well-mounted javelin
men came next, two abreast, their attire being that
of the livery of the high sheriff's family, and their jave-
lins held in rest. Sundry officials followed, and the
governor of the county gaol sat in an open carriage,
his long white wand raised in the air. Then appeared
the handsome, closed equipage of the sheriff, its four
horses, caparisoned with silver, pawingthe ground, for
they chafed at the slow pace to which they were re-
strained. In it, in their scarlet robes and flowing wigs,