I would have asked John Norton questions.
The guard of the train came next. John Norton had called his attention to the broken window. He corroborated what John Norton had said as to the condition of the carriage. He had noticed that the alarm bell appeared untouched. Nothing had attracted his attention on the journey. The compartment in question was in the next coach but one to his, but he had heard nothing. Sounds would have travelled in his direction. Still, it was difficult, when there was a wind, and the train was going at a high speed, to hear what was taking place in the next coach but one; for instance, if there were two persons quarrelling. At the same time, if any one had screamed at all loudly he could scarcely have failed to hear that. His hearing was very good. The compartment looked to him as if somebody had been having a fight in it.
Again no questions from Mr. Bates. So far, Tommy could have managed equally well without his help.
Though it is true that that is saying little.
CHAPTER XXX.
[MR. TAUNTON'S EVIDENCE.]
"Call Alexander Taunton!"
He came not, though they called.
Instead there was an interval for refreshment. A buzz of talking rose in the court. With one hand the judge pressed his spectacles more firmly in their place. He took a bird's-eye view of the proceedings.
"I think," he observed, "that before taking the evidence of the next witness, it might be convenient if we were to adjourn for luncheon."