"'For how long was the gentleman left alone in the office?'--'Half an hour, perhaps.'
"'Then you went in to him?'--'Yes, and he said he was going, and he went.'
"'Did you tell your master of the gentleman's visit when he returned?'--'No, I didn't.'
"'Why didn't you?' The witness hesitated. 'Why didn't you? Remember that you are on your oath, and that if you prevaricate or speak falsely you may get yourself into serious trouble. Why did you not tell your master of the gentleman's visit?'--'Well, he gave me five shillings, and told me to say nothing about it. I don't see that I've done any harm.'
"'You can step down.'
"The Magistrate: 'Stop a moment. Where were the official books while the gentleman was in the office?'--'In their proper place--the desk.'
"Mr. Lawson: 'Was the desk locked?'--'The lock's been broke all the time I've been in the place.'
"'So that all a person had to do to get hold of the books was to lift the lid?'--'Yes.'
"The Magistrate: 'Your conduct was very reprehensible.'
"The witness then left the box.