"Have you any question to ask the witness, colonel?" said Sir Harry Henderson, turning to the accused.
"Merely this," replied Henry: "you have said that you have known me long, Marston. Have you frequently seen me in society?"
"Oh, dear, yes," replied Charles: "in the society of Englishmen, Spaniards, and Italians."
"Then by what name did I usually go, and how was I recognised and received?" was the next question.
"By the name of Colonel Middleton," replied Charles Marston; "and under that name you were always recognised and received as a very distinguished officer in the Spanish service, and the nephew of Don Balthazar de Xamorça, a grandee of Spain, by the marriage of his niece with an English gentleman. I have conversed with several noble Spaniards, who claim close kindred with you by the mother's side; and----"
"This is all hearsay," said Mr. Scriven, "and I object----"
"Hold your tongue, sir!" said Colonel Mandrake, sharply. "The magistrates will object when they think the evidence inadmissible. Go on, if you please, Mr. Marston."
"I was only going to say," continued Charles, "that I can take upon myself to swear that Colonel Middleton succeeded to a considerable portion of the property of Don Balthazar, on account of his relationship, for I heard it from persons who shared with him."
"Humph!" said Mr. Hargrave again. "I think, as far as we have gone yet, Mr. Scriven, you have made out a case of strong resemblance, but nothing more."
"I will do more presently," replied Mr. Scriven, drily; "but I will first call my sister, Lady Fleetwood."