"I would rather not answer."
The old man spoke mildly, but with great firmness. The judge bent his head. A dozen pens could be heard at the reporters' desk taking down the answer. A hush was on the crowd; every man leaned forward, breathless and listening. Those even in the vestibule kept still while the old man's reply ran among them in whispers.
"Did you know the man who was found dead in your house on the nineteenth of this month?"
"Yes, I knew the man well!"
"Where and when had you met before!"
"I do not wish to answer!"
"Did you see him on the evening of the eighteenth?"
"No!"
"Did evil feeling exist between you?"
The old man turned a shade paler, and his hand shook upon the railing; he hesitated as if at a loss for words which might convey an exact answer.