Jane Ryan, who had become by this time a sort of heroine, was the chief witness; but there were others who were to be called as witnesses for the Crown, who to a great extent could corroborate her evidence.
Jane, when placed in the box, was calm and self-possessed.
She swore most positively to the prisoner as being the man who stabbed James Hopgood. She averred that she had a distinct and vivid recollection of every minute circumstance attendant upon the crime committed on that fatal night.
The counsel for the defence by a series of cross questions and inuendoes, strove to throw a doubt upon her testimony.
But Jane never wavered for a moment. Her answers were clear and concise. Every word she uttered bore the impress of truth.
Her cross-examination was continued for so long a time that it became wearisome.
There was, of course, the usual wrangling between the advocates as to what was admissible as evidence.
Objections were taken to some of the questions put to the witnesses, and an appeal was made to the judge, who overruled certain objections, and admitted others.
Jane’s former master and her fellow-servant were the next. They both swore positively to the prisoner as the same person who stabbed the young carpenter.
Eight other witnesses were examined, amongst whom were the two Messrs. Ashbrook and the policemen.