"Remember you are on your oath."
"I do that, sir. It's gospel truth what I'm sayin'. The accident 'appened exactly as you've 'eard them tell. 'E was drivin', an' me by 'is side. Tore by 'em, we did, an' 'it 'em an' left 'em. Sends me up to Town for a new 'ub-cap the nex' day. Lettin' 'er out, 'e was, to see 'ow she'd run after the over'aul. That was the day before."
He paused for lack of breath, and the Judge turned his head slowly and peered at counsel over the rim of his glasses.
I was looking at the defendant.
If any corroboration of Dale's story were needed, it was written upon his master's face for all to see. Guilt, fear, and beastly rage were horribly depicted. The close-set eyes shifted frantically from side to side. The mouth worked uncontrollably....
As I looked, the fellow rose to his feet, swayed, put a hand to his throat, and stepped uncertainly towards the doors. The crowd parted, and he passed through....
A thick voice shattered the silence.
"In the circumstances your lordship will appreciate that I can carry my case no further."
With a swish of silk, counsel resumed his seat.
As was to be expected, the jury delivered its verdict without leaving the box. As the applause subsided—