nearly two in the afternoon
Mr. Dubourg had the double advantage of securing the services of the leading barrister on the circuit , and of moving the irrepressible sympathies of the jury , shocked at his position and eager for proof of his innocence . By the end of the first day , the evidence had told against him with such irresistible force , that his own counsel despaired of the result . When the prisoner took his place in the dock on the second day , there was but one conviction in the minds of the people in court -- everybody said , `` The clock will hang him . '' It was nearly two in the afternoon ; and the proceedings were on the point of being adjourned for half an hour , when the attorney for the prisoner was seen to hand a paper to the counsel for the defense . The counsel rose , showing signs of agitation which roused the curiosity of the audience . He demanded the immediate hearing of a new witness ; whose evidence in the prisoner 's favor he declared to be too important to be delayed for a single moment . After a short colloquy between the judge and the banisters on either side , the court decided to continue the sitting .