“A man may excusably think twice when such grave issues are at stake, Mr Benham,” said the judge.
“With the greatest respect I would submit that your lordship is laying down a somewhat dangerous precedent,” answered Mr Benham, undaunted.
Then the judge retorted, and after some triangular sparring between his lordship and the two counsel, Mr Windgate went on.
“What time would it have been when you met the stranger on the cliff that evening?”
“It was after nine, sir. Indeed, it was nearly half-past—for very soon after I heard the clock strike.”
“What clock?”
“The Wandsborough clock.”
“How far from—er—Smugglers’ Ladder was the stranger when you met him?”
“Maybe half a mile, sir.”
“How long would it take to walk from Smugglers’ Ladder to Battisford? Walking at one’s fastest?”