"Of what nature was the abuse?" asked the counsel.
"I do not recollect the precise terms. It was to the effect that he, the deceased, tippled away his money instead of paying his debts. The man backed against the wall as he spoke: he appeared to have had rather too much himself. I drew the deceased on, and we were soon out of hearing."
"What became of the man?"
"I do not know. We left him standing against the wall. He called loudly after the deceased to know when his bill was to be paid. I judged him to be some petty tradesman."
"Did he follow you?"
"No. At least, we heard no more of him afterwards. I saw the deceased safely within his own gate, and left him."
"What state, as to sobriety, was the deceased in then?"
"He was what may be called half-seasover," replied the witness. "He could talk, but his words were not very distinct."
"Could he walk alone?"
"After a fashion. He stumbled as he walked."