Mr. Bates sat down.
"When did this man come out of prison?"
Some one spoke from the side of the court.
"He was released on ticket-of-leave, my lord. The ticket has just run out."
"Was there any police supervision?"
"I believe not, my lord."
"Then I hope that the police will keep their eyes upon him." He turned to the witness. "According to your own statement, you appear to have been guilty of an offence as heinous as any of your previous ones. Your conduct has been as bad as it could have been. I may consider it to be my duty to recommend your prosecution. As I have said, I hope the police will keep their eyes on you. Go down!"
The witness went down--all the flourish gone clean out of him. He looked more dead than alive.
It may seem queer, but I felt quite sorry for the wretch.