“All this I have heard before; but I now ask you, Mrs. Burton, in the name of that Being whose eye is everywhere, did you not yourself put that piece of money in my purse, when it was passing from hand to hand, and take out of it the piece without a notch? Answer me, as you have a regard for your soul?”
Such a question was altogether out of the rules regulating the queries that may be put to witnesses, an answer in the affirmative going directly to criminate the respondent; but the earnest manner, solemn tones, and, we may add, illuminated countenance of Mary Monson, so far imposed on the woman, that she quite lost sight of her rights, if she ever knew them. What is much more remarkable, neither of the counsel for the prosecution interposed an objection. The District Attorney was willing that justice should have its way; and Williams began to think it might be prudent to manifest less anxiety for a conviction than he had done in the case in which the party murdered had been resuscitated. The judge was entranced by the prisoner’s manner.
“I believe I have as much regard for my soul as any of the neighbours have for theirs,” answered Mrs. Burton, sullenly.
“Let us learn that in your reply—Did you, or did you not, change those pieces of gold?”
“Perhaps I might—It’s hard to say, when so much was said and done.”
“How came you with the other piece, with which to make the exchange? Answer, Sarah Burton, as you fear God?”
The witness trembled like an aspen-leaf. So remarkable was the scene, that no one thought of interfering; but the judge, the bar, and the jury, seemed equally willing to leave the two females to themselves, as the most efficient means of extorting the truth. Mary Monson’s colour heightened; her mien and countenance grew, as it were, with the occasion; while Sarah Burton’s became paler and paler, as each question was put, and the reply pressed.
“I can have money, I hope, as well as other folks,” answered the witness.
“That is no reply. How came you with the piece of gold that is notched, that you could exchange it for the piece which was not notched, and which was the one really found in my purse? Answer me that, Sarah Burton; here, where we both stand in the presence of our great Creator?”
“There’s no need of your pressing a body so awfully—I don’t believe it’s law.”