In cross-examination the aim of the counsel for the defence was to show that the evidence of the witness was unreliable because he was actuated by personal malevolence against the accused.
"Have you had words with the prisoner on more than one occasion?"
"Yes."
"It was a word from you that put the police on to him in the first instance?"
"It was not," with warmth.
"You found a knife you believed to belong to the prisoner in the shed after the fire?"
"Outside the shed."
"And you took the knife to the police?"
"I did not."
"Where is the knife now?"