Ryder. I can't say. However, I never said you were on the very spot where the deed was done; but you were out of doors.
Prisoner. How do you know that?
Ryder. Why, you told me so yourself.
Prisoner. Then that is my evidence, not yours. Swear to no more than you know. Had my husband, to your knowledge, a reason for absconding suddenly?
Ryder. Yes, he had.
Prisoner. What was it?
Ryder. Fear of you.
Prisoner. Nay, I mean, had he not something to fear, something quite different from that I am charged with?
Ryder. You know best, madam. I would gladly serve you, but I cannot guess what you are driving at.
The prisoner was taken aback by this impudent reply. She hesitated to force her servant to expose a husband, whom she believed to be living: and her hesitation looked like discomfiture; and Ryder was victorious in that encounter.