He vomited freely, and it was with some difficulty that stimulants could be administered to him. His wound was carefully dressed; he was laid on the cell bed and covered with rugs. There were some officers present who were dubious as to the extent of the injuries he had sustained, and believed that he was up to his old cunning and shamming a bit.
When at intervals a little brandy was given to him, he was lifted up and the bottle placed to his lips. He ground his teeth, clenched his fists, and appeared to be struggling in a fit.
He was laid on the bench, and force was about to be used to make him take the stimulant, when one who knew him well said, very sternly, “Now, Charley, it’s no use. Let’s have none of your hankey pankey tricks here. You’ll have to take it.”
Charley recognised the voice; opened his eyes, and replied, “All right: give me a minute.”
A knowing wink passed amongst the officers, and presently he sat up and took the brandy. Afterwards he took stimulants when offered to him; and he even went so far as to express a preference for whiskey over brandy.
After being thus attended to, he would immediately lie down and curl himself up under his rugs, scarcely leaving even his little grey head visible.
Mr. Hallam visited him at frequent intervals during the afternoon and evening, and on each occasion he found him steadily improving.
The vomiting had long ceased; he took stimulants and food readily, and was indeed going on “as well as could be expected.”
When Mr. Hallam saw him late at night, he said he should not come down again unless he was sent for.
I was infected for once by the common curiosity, and instead of waiting patiently to read your report of the final hearing before the magistrates, of the charge of murder against Peace, I betook myself to the Town Hall in good time, in the hope that, if I should escape being squeezed as flat as a red herring in the process of effecting an entrance, I might see the noted prisoner, and admire the tact with which my friend, Mr. W. E. Clegg, would cross-examine Mrs. Dyson.