Here Dunscomb’s face was lighted with a smile; he evidently was encouraged.
“Were you present, Mrs. Burton, when Mary Monson’s purse was examined, in presence of the inquest?”
“I was.”
“Did you then see its contents?”
“I did”—after the longest pause of all.
“Had you that purse in your hand, ma’am?”
The brow was once more shaded, and the recollection seemingly taxed.
“I think I had. It was passed round among us, and I believe that I touched it, as well as others.”
“Are you not certain that you did so?”
“Yes, sir. Now, I reflect, I know that I did. The piece of money found in Mary Monson’s purse, was passed from one to another, and to me, among the rest.”