# XVII: The Trial explained — The Mystery of a Hansom Cab

> Chapter companion for The Mystery of a Hansom Cab by Fergus Hume.

## What happens

The trial of Brian Fitzgerald begins. Despite extensive searches and rewards, Sal Rawlins remains missing. Madge Frettlby insists on attending the trial, veiled, against her father's wishes. The prosecution presents evidence including a time discrepancy, Dr. Chinston's testimony on chloroform, Gorby's discovery of a glove, and Roger Moreland's account of Whyte's coat being stolen. The defense gains two points: a time discrepancy and the fact that the murderer wore a ring, which Fitzgerald did not. The day ends with the sensational news that Sal Rawlins has returned.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Injustice

The trial highlights the tension between legal procedure and the risk of convicting an innocent man, with the missing witness threatening a miscarriage of justice.

### Love and Sacrifice

Madge's determination to attend the trial despite her father's objections demonstrates her love and sacrifice for Brian.

### Secrecy and Deception

The veiled identity of Madge in court and the hidden whereabouts of Sal Rawlins underscore themes of concealment.

## Character check-ins

### Brian Fitzgerald

The prisoner on trial for murder; appears pale and worn, feels degraded by being in the dock.

### Duncan Calton

Defense lawyer; works on the case, arranges for Madge to attend the trial, and notes the slender proofs of innocence.

### Madge Frettlby

Attends the trial veiled against her father's wishes; prays for Brian's acquittal.

### Mark Frettlby

Offers a reward for Sal Rawlins; refuses to attend the trial but remains supportive of Brian.

### Sal Rawlins

Missing witness; her return is announced at the end of the chapter.

### Roger Moreland

Testifies about Whyte's coat being stolen and his own intoxication on the night of the murder.

## Key lines

> God will not permit such a judicial crime as the murder of an innocent man to be committed.

Madge believes divine justice will prevent the wrongful execution of an innocent man.

_Madge expresses her faith that God will not allow an innocent man to be convicted._

> The hour is darkest before the dawn, you know.

Calton reassures Madge that hope remains even in the worst moment.

_Calton uses a proverb to encourage Madge before the trial._

> Return of the Missing Witness, Sal Rawlins!

News spreads that Sal Rawlins has come back, surprising everyone.

_The chapter ends with the dramatic announcement of Sal Rawlins's return._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mystery_of_a_hansom_cab_se/chapters/xvii-the-trial
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mystery_of_a_hansom_cab_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mystery_of_a_hansom_cab_se/chapters