in which your counsel has done the utmost ho could do, you have been found guilty of the aw- ful and heinous offence of the murder of a fellow creature. It may be that neither of you is the man who fired the fatal shot, but the law of England is, and has been for centuries, and the law of this colony is, that if a body of armed msn intent on performing a felonious act, in the prosecution of that act kill anybody, one and all of that body are guilty of murder. The facts of this case were most clear against you, and I must say I concur with the jury in the verdict at which they have ar- rived. Before passing sentence, I call upon you to know if you have anything to say why aentence should not be passed.
First prisoner-I did not commit the mur- der, my lord, I was never near the place. My counsel will speak for me.
His Lordship-He has already spoken for you. Second prisoner-I have nothing particular to say except that I did not do it. I was in Hongkong at the time.
His Lordship-I shall pursue the ordinary course in this case. Copies of the evidence from my notes will be made and forwarded to the Gov- ernor. Lai Tak, the sentence of this court is that you be taken hence to the place from whence you came, thence to the place of execution and that you there be hung by the neck nutil you are dead and that your body be buried in such place as His Excellency shall order. And may the Lord have enercy on your soul.
His Lordship then sentenced the second pri- soner in similar terms.
On hearing their sentence both prisoners broke into lond cries, declaring their innocence. the second prisoner screaming as he was removed from the dock, "Sentence me to imprisonment for life, my Lord, if you like, but don't hang me.'
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