"Yes. I sent an armed party of marines, as I was aware that, being a desperate man, he would offer resistance."
"Where was he found secreted by the non-commissioned officer?"
Here the president assumed a grave air and informed Puffeigh that he could not put the last question, as Lieutenant Crushe could not testify to hearsay. The examination then proceeded.
"You had other reasons for sending an armed party to secure the prisoner? Please state them."
"Yes. I was aware that he consorted with people of the worst character."
"Some of them had visited him on board the Stinger, I believe. State if that be so."
"Yes, a young woman, whose conduct while on board led me to suppose that she had come for no good. She came down with some of the worst characters in Woolwich. He was afterwards arrested in her company."
When Crushe stated that the man was arrested in the company of bad people, Clare bit his lips, and tried to address the court, when he was informed that "he would have an opportunity of asking questions at a later period, but at present he must remain silent."
Upon receiving this rebuke his face flushed with shame, seeing which, the members of the court, who took it for a sign of passion and rebellion, looked at each other, as much as to say, "See what a ruffian the prisoner is."
The corporal was the next witness. With a military salute that concise individual stated his name and rank, and was thus examined by Puffeigh.