"Very good: so long as you understand. Before proceeding with your examination I would again remind you that you are in no way bound to answer any question which you think would criminate yourself."
"Go on, do. I never see such a one for talking. You'd talk a bull's hind leg off."
Once more there were some who smiled. The coroner kept his temper in a manner which did him credit. He commenced to examine the witness.
"Did you know the dead man?"
"Know him? Not from Adam."
"Did you have any acquaintance with him of any sort or kind?"
"Never heard tell of him in my life; never set eyes on him till that Saturday night. When I see him under the beech tree in Cooper's Spinney I let fly at him."
"Did you quarrel?"
"Not me; there wasn't no time. I let fly directly I see him."
"At a perfect stranger? Why? For what possible reason? Did you suspect him of poaching?"