“Yes; with a stick he was carrying.”
“And did Peace leave the neighbourhood after that?”
“Yes, immediately afterwards.”
“Were you attached to him?”
“Really, Mr. Slapperton, you are quite out of order. I object to the question.”
“Oh, if you object, sir,” returned Slapperton, in a sarcastic tone, “then I presume the court will coincide with you.”
Without waiting for the decision Nell Fulford said in a loud voice—
“I was not attached to him.”
“Thank you, madam, I am much obliged by your courtesy,” cried the persevering advocate in an ironical manner, casting at the same time a withering glance at Chicknell.
Mr. Slapperton had come for the express purpose of asking every possible conflicting and painful question of the witnesses. It was his aim in doing so to distinguish himself as a fearless advocate, and thus create what he termed a “sensation.” But the latitude of counsel has increased since his day, and recently it has been a scandal to our courts of law.