"I never touched him, and I asked no questions."
"What was he doing when you saw him last?"
"Hopping about and swearing."
"And you don't know what happened to him afterwards?"
"I see nothing; I'd seen more than enough already. I tell you I walked straight off home."
"And you heard nothing?"
"Nothing out of the way."
"Why haven't you told this story of yours before?"
"Because I didn't want to have any bother, that's why. I knew I hadn't killed him, that was enough for me. Small shot don't hurt no one--at least, not serious. Any man can have a shot at me for a ten-pound note; there's some that's had it for less. But when I heard you saying that the man as shot him stabbed him, then I had to speak--bound to. I wasn't going to have no charge of that kind made against me. And I have spoken, and you've got the truth."
"What time did it happen--all this you have been telling us about?"