“We have,” said one of the magistrates; “and our decision is unanimous. Your last question to the witness is not admissible, and we cannot reprobate your conduct too strongly in putting such a query, or the bad taste you have displayed by the innuendo accompanying it.”
“I have done,” said Slapperton. “Let it pass, then. I have no alternative left but to bow to the wise decision of the bench. It appears to me that I am so restricted and subject to so many indecorous interruptions, while vainly endeavouring to pursue a just and proper course of cross-examination, that I am unable to do justice to my client.”
“I think your remarks are quite uncalled for, and are, at the same time, in very bad taste,” observed one of the sitting magistrates. “You have full liberty to ask any questions of the witness which may bear upon the case; but to enter into private matters, which are altogether irrelevant, cannot be permitted.”
“I maintain that the private matters, as you are pleased to term them, do bear upon the case. You, however, appear to be of a different opinion—so I will proceed with other points.”
Then, turning towards the witness, Mr. Slapperton said—
“You stated before the coroner that, when you were conversing with Mr. Jamblin in Dennett’s lane on the night of the murder, you saw the face of a man through the hedge. Is that so?”
“Yes, it is.”
“And did you see his features distinctly?”
“Most distinctly.”
“The night was a dark one—was it not?”