Jim Baker answered to the best of his ability. He answered many other questions, also, to the best of his ability. He had a bad time of it. But the worst time was to come when all the questions had been asked and answered.
The coroner announced that, in consequence of the fresh evidence which had been placed before the court, the inquiry would not close that day; but that there would be a further adjournment.
As Mr Baker passed out of the room and down the stairs people drew away from him to let him pass, with an alacrity which was not exactly flattering. When he came out into the street, Granger, the policeman, came forward and laid his hand upon his shoulder, saying, in those squeaky tones which had caused him to be regarded with less respect than was perhaps desirable,--
"James Baker, I arrest you for wilful murder. You needn't say anything, but what you do say will be taken down and used against you. Take my advice and come quiet."
By way of answer Jim Baker stared at Granger and at the London detective at his side and at the people round about him. Then he inquired,--
"What's that you say?"
"I say that I arrest you for wilful murder, and my advice to you is to come quiet."
When Baker saw the policeman taking a pair of handcuffs out of his coat-tail pocket he drew a long breath.
"What's that you've got there?"
"You know what it is very well--it's handcuffs. Hold out your hands and don't let us have no trouble."