"I .... I .... I belave it is, Sir."
"And what did he give you?"
"A .... a wisp of straw and a few good words, Sir."
"Then you believe in that too—that a wisp of straw and a few good words...."
But the Deemster could not finish—a ripple of laughter that had been running through the Court having risen to a roar which he did not attempt to repress. "He has made up his mind about this case," said someone.
The Attorney-General, who was looking hot and embarrassed, called the last of his witnesses. This was the house-doctor at the hospital, the young man with the thin hair and pugnacious mouth.
Asked if he remembered the prisoner being brought into hospital he said "Perfectly." Had he formed any opinion of her condition? He had. What was it? That she had been confined less than five days before. What made him think so? First her unwillingness to be examined and then....
"She refused?"
"She did, your Honour, and threatened violence, but she became unconscious soon afterwards and then...."
"Stop!" said the Deemster, and looking down at the Attorney he asked if the High Bailiff, in committing the prisoner, had ordered that she should be examined.