Mr. Chesterton: And what was the general instruction that Mr. Grewgious gave you?

Witness: These instructions: he said he was going to have a private conversation—more or less private conversation—with Mr. Drood, and if I appeared to be very interested in it, it might embarrass Mr. Drood, and that therefore I should not pay any particular attention to it.

Mr. Chesterton: What did you do?

Witness: What happened was this: I think we all had dinner, and then Mr. Grewgious had the private conversation in question. I understood that what happened was that he admonished Mr. Drood as to his proper feelings towards his future bride.

Judge: You did not hear that?

Witness: No; I didn’t hear that. I took the opportunity to have a snooze. Waking up, Mr. Grewgious said to me, “I have handed a ring of diamonds and rubies to Mr. Drood.” Mr. Drood handed a case and said, “You see?” I said, “I follow you both, sir, and I witness the transaction.”

Mr. Chesterton: What was the next occasion you saw him?

Witness: The next occasion I saw Mr. Edwin Drood was Jan. 1st, 1861.

Mr. Chesterton: That was a week after you first met him?

Witness: Yes.