He took his place with a defiant air, as though he knew exactly what he was going to say, and would like to see the man who would get any thing more or less out of him. Still, when he took the oath to tell “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth,” it was observed that he became very pale, and that his hands trembled. It was but for a moment, and then he regained a perfect self-control.
The usual questions as to his occupation and duties were asked and readily answered. Then, how long had he and Mr. Manning been friends?
“We were never friends,” replied Ben.
“But you have been acquainted with him for some time?”
“Yes; we were classmates at X—— College.”
“You greeted him cordially and treated him as a friend upon his arrival here some two weeks ago?”
“Of course; I was glad to see an old classmate, and tried to make his stay here as pleasant as possible.”
“You have heard the testimony of Lieutenant Easter in regard to the events of that first evening. Does your recollection of those events agree with his?”
“It does.”