Mr. Slapperton was a bright sample of an unscrupulous cross-examiner. He was not to be put down.
It is true that the magistrates on the bench were gentlemen, but that did not matter to Slapperton. He had come into court to make a sort of gladiatorial display, to produce as much effect as possible, and, to do him justice, he did his best to carry out his object.
“I have been successful in getting certain admissions from the witness,” said the lawyer, addressing himself to the bench; “and I suppose I may proceed with my cross-examination without further interruptions?”
“You are at liberty to ask what questions you deem requisite,” said one of the magistrates.
“Do you know, Miss Fulford, if the late Mr. Jamblin ever met Charles Peace after the conflict in Dennett’s-lane?”
“I dunno, but I think not. Mr. Peace left Broxbridge on the day after, or it might be two days afterwards. I be pretty sure he never saw Mr. Jamblin agen.”
“I think you said that you were engaged to Mr. Jamblin?”
“I have not said so.”
“Indeed! Then I must have misunderstood you.”
“She said she kept company with him,” observed the chief clerk, referring to his notes.