midday
The evidence against the prisoner was overwhelming , but some of the jurors still wavered as to their clear duty . Eight of us were for murder in the first degree ; the others were in the same frame of mind , I am sure , but tantalizingly slow about saying so . It looked like an all-night struggle . `` Thrice since midday had Sheriff Watkins popped in his red head and asked if we had agreed upon a verdict , and as often had he angrily withdrawn . Watkins had a profound contempt for juries in general , and our jury in particular . According to the sheriff , the case of Commonwealth against Hardy was decided , and decided fully , when Dillingham finished his speech . Dillingham was the prosecuting attorney , and Watkins worshipped him down to the ground .