“Don’t speak to me like that, sir, or you’ll find yourself in the wrong box. If you don’t answer the questions which are put to you, I’ll commit you for contempt of Court.”
“Commit.”
I should have liked to commit an assault upon the coroner. But he thought proper to ignore my challenge, and addressed himself to Mr. Jordan.
“Put your question again. I am amazed to find a person of the apparent position of the witness behaving in so discreditable a manner.”
“Now, Mr. Ferguson. I ask you again: Did any one come through your bedroom window after you had retired to rest?”
“And I say to you, Mr. Jordan, that you have my sympathy in the position in which you find yourself. Don’t you think if I were to put one or two questions to you, it might vary the monotony?”
“You hear, Mr. Coroner, what the witness says?”
“I do. And I regret to find that such conduct can be treated with levity.” A titter had gone round the room. “If there is that sound again, I will immediately have the court cleared. Witness, look at me.”
“If you desire it, with the greatest pleasure. Though there doesn’t seem to be much to look at.”
“How dare you speak to me like that?”