A murmur of disappointment ran through all the Court; and Walter looked around coweringly and afraid.
‘So Mr. Keelevin has primed you, has he? He has instructed you what to say?’
‘No,’ said the poor natural; ‘he instructed me to say nothing.’
‘Then why did he tell you that I would bother you?’
‘I dinna ken, speer at himsel; there he sits.’
‘No, sir! I ask you,’ said the advocate, grandly.
‘I’m wearied, Mr. Keelevin,’ said Walter, helplessly, as he looked towards his disconsolate agent. ‘May I no come away?’
The honest lawyer gave a deep sigh; to which all the spectators sympathizingly responded.
‘Mr. Walkinshaw,’ said the Sheriff, ‘don’t be alarmed—we are all friendly disposed towards you; but it is necessary, for the satisfaction of the jury, that you should tell us what you think respecting the child that lives with you.’
Walter smiled and said, ‘I hae nae objection to converse wi’ a weel-bred gentleman like you; but that barking terrier in the wig, I can thole him no longer.’