"Let us carry on the matter a little more formally, my dear sir," said Mr. Egerton.--"Sir Sidney, with your permission, we will take our seats here. Clerk, place yourself there. Constable, put a chair for Captain Delaware at the bottom of the table--stand back yourself, and keep those other persons back.--Captain Delaware, it is customary to warn persons in your present situation against saying any thing that may commit themselves. To you I have only to remark, that your examination will of course be taken down, and may hereafter be brought against you."
"You will understand, however," added Doctor Wilton, "that the present investigation is merely instituted by us to ascertain whether this person can bring forward sufficient evidence in support of the accusation, to oblige us to remand you for further examination."
"I shall bring forward sufficient evidence to compel you to commit him," cried Mr. Tims, "however prejudiced you may be in his favor."
"Do not be insolent, sir," said Mr. Egerton, "or I may find it necessary to punish you in the first instance. Your charge is already made, and we shall proceed with the examination as we judge most expedient ourselves. Remember, Captain Delaware, you are warned against committing yourself."
"I have nothing to conceal, sir, and therefore have no reason to fear saying any thing that is true!" replied the young officer. "Pray, proceed."
"Well, then, let me ask," said Mr. Egerton, "when and where you happened to see Mr. Tims--generally known by the name of the miser of Ryebury--for the last time?"
"It was yesterday morning," replied Captain Delaware. "I met him first in the lanes leading to his own house; accompanied him home, and left him there."
"Pray, did any high words pass between you and him on that occasion?" demanded the magistrate; "and if so, what was the subject of dispute? You are not compelled to answer, unless you like."
"I am sorry to say," replied Captain Delaware, "that there were high words passed between myself and the poor old man. The cause of them was simply that he had agreed to furnish a certain sum of money to pay off an annuity which was pressing heavily upon this estate; and that he failed to perform his promise at the time agreed upon."
"And to obtain which, whether he would or not, you murdered him!" cried Mr. Peter Tims.