‘There are three verdicts open to you, guilty, not guilty and not proven. Not guilty and not proven are both verdicts of acquittal and mean that the accused goes free and can never be retried. Before you can return a verdict of guilty there must be a majority, that is to say at least eight of you, in favour of such a verdict. When you retire, I suggest you choose one of your number to chair your deliberations and speak for you when you return to court. Will you now retire and consider your verdict which I can take from you at any time.’

When the jury retired, Lord Cowden left the bench and Muirhead walked out of court to be greeted by Jack Morton. Morton was one of Glasgow’s leading solicitors, specialising in criminal work.

‘Hello, Jack. Have you got a case in the other court?’

‘No, I came down to see you. I know your jury’s out and you will be a bit pre-occupied, but I’d like a quick word if possible. It’s important. Somewhere private.

Muirhead collected his pipe from the retiring room and the two went to one of the dismal little interview rooms located in the bowels of the building. Morton waited till the pipe was well and truly lit, then handed over a document.

‘Race meeting on today, Jack?’

As ever, Morton was attired in a loud check suit and tastelessly clashing shirt and tie.

‘Very droll. It’s my fees suit – small checks! Now read. My client has just had this served upon him. I dare say you’ve heard something about it. I want you to take the case. It’s right up your street. You name it, this one has got it, and then some. He’s presently in Barlinnie. I’d like you to go and see him as soon as possible. I was thinking of instructing Donald Anderson as your junior. The old firm. I’ve checked your availability and his and you are both pretty clear, strangely enough. Trial is set down to begin in just under five weeks.’

‘I was hoping for a bit of a break.’

‘Jim, you never take holidays, and you certainly won’t be heading for sunny Spain when you’ve read that.’

‘The Caribbean, actually.’

‘Whatever. Just read.’

Muirhead began to scan the document. It was an indictment against Charles Gallagher, setting out three charges.

Charles Anthony Gallagher, presently a prisoner in the prison of Barlinnie, Glasgow, you are indicted at the instance of the Right Honourable the Lord Haldane of Auchengry, Her Majesty’s Advocate, and the charges against you are that: