Counsel.--Not under the name of Damberton?
Dombrain.--No.
Counsel.--I understand your name has been struck off the rolls.
Dombrain.--I don't see what that has to do with the case.
Counsel.--Ah, you are rather dense; I will explain. Your real name is Alfred Damberton. You were imprisoned in New Zealand for embezzlement, and on your release you came to England. Is this not true?
Dombrain (violently).--No sir! It is false! Who accuses me? The prisoner!--and why? Because I have brought her to justice. Through her lies I have been struck off the rolls, but I can prove myself innocent, and will do so shortly!
Counsel.--I wish you every success, Mr. Dombrain, but I am afraid you will find it difficult!
When Dombrain left the witness-box, the counsel for the prosecution said he had no more witnesses to call at present, upon which the counsel for the defence made a short speech, and said that as his learned brother had set the example of brevity, he would do the same thing, and only call one witness in defence of the prisoner. The name of that witness was Samson Belk.
Mrs. Belswin looked surprised when she heard this name, not for a moment thinking that Belk's evidence could do her any good; and Kaituna also appeared to be astonished, as she knew how Belk had kept out of the way since her mother's arrest. Maxwell's face, however, wore a contented smile, and this smile was reflected in the countenance of the defending counsel, so, without doubt, these two men knew that Belk's evidence was valuable, and were prepared to abide by the result.
Samson Belk, stepping into the witness-box, made oath according to law, and gave the following remarkable evidence in favour of the prisoner:--