"Did you see it on the night of the murder?"
"I did."
"Under what circumstances?"
"The accused held it dripping with blood in his hands, and said he found it sticking in the corpse."
Other witnesses were also called to prove these facts.
The accused was then heard in his own defence, and he repeated with great simplicity and candour the circumstances so well known to our readers; and concluded:
"I can say no more. None who knew the love he bore me, and that I bore him, could suspect me."
The bishop here spoke.
"It is my office," said he, "by the canons of King Athelstane, to assist secular judges in purging away accusations, therefore I will ask the accused a few questions."
"Had you any cause of suspicion against any other person-- anything to point out the doer of this evil deed?"