Sir Edward.—“At any rate you were taken to Rochester Road, and the gentleman went with you?”
Witness.—“Yes.”
Police Constable 396 A was here called into court and took up a position close to the witness-box. He gazed curiously at Atkins, who wriggled about and eyed him uneasily.
Sir Edward.—“Now I ask you in the presence of this officer, was the statement made at the police-station that you and the gentleman had been in bed together?”
Witness.—“I don’t think so.”
Sir Edward.—“Think before you speak; it will be better for you. Did not the landlady actually come into the room and see you and the gentleman naked on or in the bed together?”
Witness.—“I don’t remember that she did.”
Sir Edward.—“You may as well tell me about it. You know. Was that statement made?”
Witness.—“Well, yes it was.”
Sir Edward.—“You had endeavoured to force money out of this gentleman?”