Her words were heard by a policeman who chanced to be angling along the stream, and who promptly brought her into the presence of a magistrate, where, after the policeman had stated what he heard, she attempted at first to draw in her horns and retract her words.
“Well, my good woman,” said the magistrate, “what expressions were those you used just now?”
“Ou, only some ramask (nonsense), yer honour.”
“Did you not accuse a man of murder?”
“In onough, I dunno what I sed when the spalpeen gev us the round, and the vexation was upon us.”
“You must speak to the point, woman.”
“Wethen sure yer honour wouldn’t be after mindin’ what an oul’ hag sed when she was in the passion.”
“Policeman, repeat the expressions exactly.”
The policeman repeated his former statement.
“Now swear the hag, and I warn her if she doesn’t tell the whole truth, I will myself see her transported.”