“No.”
“What?”
“No. I did no such thing,” replied Johnston composedly.
Mr Windgate was nonplussed. He stared at the witness in amazement.
“You did no such thing? Kindly repeat that?”
“I did no such thing.”
“Very good. Remember you were warned what a false statement involved,” said Mr Windgate severely, making a voluminous note to conceal his chagrin. For the astute Q.C. had been completely foiled by the canny Scot. That worthy knew that his master’s lips were sealed, and that even if his mistress could give evidence against himself it would merely be oath against oath. So having decided that he could commit perjury with impunity, he at least had the merit of doing it thoroughly.
“Well, the fact remains that Mr Dorrien discharged you summarily. Now, did you threaten him on that occasion?”
“I may have.”
“Answer my question. Did you?”