Mr. Rexford was sworn as a witness, and deposed that he had strong grounds for believing his store was burned by an incendiary, and that he had reasons for suspecting Fred Worthington to be the guilty party, though he admitted that he had little or no real proof to sustain this belief.
He gave his evidence upon the facts that led him to think the store was maliciously burned. Sheriff Coombs added his testimony upon this point. These facts, having been already given, need not be repeated.
"This testimony gives no absolute proof that the store was burned by an incendiary," said the judge.
"But I submit that the circumstances—the facts, if you please—lead to that conclusion," put in attorney Ham.
"To be sure, they give rise to a strong suspicion that it was, but unless we get further testimony to this end, the court cannot hold the prisoner for trial."
Mr. Rexford now gave his evidence, showing why he suspected Fred of being the guilty party.
This being simply a hearing before a justice, Mr. Farrington was allowed to serve Fred in place of a lawyer.
"You say," said Mr. Farrington, addressing the witness, "you thought at the time you discharged Fred Worthington from your employ that some sort of revenge would follow. Will you kindly state why you thought so?"
"His manner indicated it."
"In what way, please?"