Mrs Rushbrook, who had been counselled by her husband, was the first examined; but she would not answer any question put to her. She did nothing but weep; and to every question her only reply was, “If he did kill him, it was by accident; my boy would never commit murder.” Nothing more was to be obtained from her; and the magistrates were so moved by her distress, that she was dismissed.
Rushbrook trembled as he was brought in and saw the body laid out on the table; but he soon recovered himself, and became nerved and resolute, as people often will do in extremity. He had made up his mind to answer some questions, but not all.
“Do you know at what time your son left the cottage?”
“I do not.”
“Does that gun belong to you?”
“Yes, it is mine.”
“Do you know that bag?”
“Yes, it belongs to me.”
“It has been used for putting game into—has it not?”
“I shall not answer that question. I’m not on trial.”