Each detective and Wyatt was asked to describe minutely the actions of the minister from the time when the personal search ending in the discovery of the safe deposit key was proposed until the time when the diamonds were exposed to view upon the table in the vault room. By this means, Searle got before the Court the demeanor of the minister as indicating a consciousness of guilt.
Relentless in pursuing this line, Searle put on the defendant's own bondsmen, Wilson, Wadham, and Hayes, compelling them to describe, although with evident reluctance, the impetuous outburst against the opening of the box when the bond was being arranged, and the scene in the vault to which they had been witnesses.
Wilson, chafing at the position into which he was forced, was further roused when Searle exclaimed suddenly:
"I will ask you if the defendant, on or about the day that these diamonds were stolen, did not approach you for the urgent loan of a considerable sum of money."
Wilson glared and was silent.
"Did he, or did he not?" persisted Searle sharply.
"He did," snapped Wilson.
"How did he want it, cash or checks?"
"He wanted cash, but I do not see, Mr. Searle—" he began.
"Excuse me, Mr. Wilson, but I think you do see," replied Searle. "Did you give it to him?"