‘Still, it affords a very strong presumption. In any case, there is the rule, laid down by Lord Hale, and acted upon ever since.’
‘I know, Mr. Tressamer; I am not disputing the law. The only question in my mind is whether this case is not taken out of it by the production of what is part of the body. Of course, I will leave it to the jury to say whether they are satisfied that this is the deceased’s hand, if that is any use to you.’
‘No, my lord, I don’t know that I can hope to contest that. But this is a case of life and death, and I certainly would strongly urge your lordship to consider my point.’
The judge got up.
‘I will just go and ask my brother Wiseman what he thinks,’ he said. ‘Personally, I am afraid I cannot go with you.’
He went out, and Tressamer sat down in a state of intense agitation. He dared not look round at the dock; but others did, and saw, to their surprise, that the prisoner seemed indifferent to what had just passed.
Eleanor did not want to get off on a law point. Without a real, full acquittal her life, as she had told Tressamer, would be too wretched to be worth preserving. And even an acquittal would not be enough while the mystery of her friend’s death was left unexplained. Only the full clearing up of the whole story, only the exposure of the real criminal, could bring peace back into her life.
She showed no disappointment, therefore, when the judge returned, with a grave face, and took his seat, saying:
‘The trial must proceed. My brother Wiseman inclines to your view, but I am dead against it. I will, of course, reserve the point for the Court for Crown Cases, if you desire.’
‘If your lordship pleases,’ said Tressamer.