“No offence, my dear Mr. Coroner. A plain statement of a plain fact.”
“Have you been drinking, sir?”
“That is said with an insolent intention. Is it impossible for an official person to be courteous?”
“Your behaviour is most extraordinary. You evidently cannot realise the serious nature of the occasion which brings us here. Are you aware, sir, that if you decline to answer the questions which are put to you, I can commit you to prison for contempt of Court?”
“I am not aware of any reason why impertinent questions should be answered under one set of circumstances rather than another.”
“Don’t argue with me. Will you answer the question which counsel has put to you?”
“My good Mr. Coroner——”
“I commit you for contempt. Officer, arrest this man.”
“If the gentleman in question is wise enough to take my seriously offered advice, he will not attempt to do anything so foolish.”
Hume, who was sitting opposite, rose and leaned towards me across the table.