"He was in a very bad temper."
"I see. And because of certain words which were uttered in a moment of irritation seven or eight years ago, James Baker meant to shoot Mr Morice, but shot this stranger instead. Is that how it was?"
"That's about what it comes to."
"I would again remind you that you need not answer the question I am about to ask you unless you choose; but, if you do choose, be careful what you say, and remember that you are on your oath. After you had shot this man what did you do?"
"He started squealing. As soon as I heard his voice I thought there was something queer about it. So I went up and had a look at him. Then I saw I'd shot the wrong man."
"Then what did you do?"
"Walked straight off."
"And left that unfortunate man lying helpless on the ground?"
"He wasn't helpless, nor yet he wasn't lying on the ground. He was hopping about like a pig in a fit."
"You know it has been proved that this man was stabbed to death?"