“‘In the alley just in the rear of Mr. Bowles’ apartments.’
“‘How did you happen to see Miss Bramlett and Bowles on that occasion?’
“‘Well, if you must know, I was playing the rôle of detective; I had my suspicions aroused by a little circumstance that transpired previous to that time, and I resolved to unravel the little mystery—in other words, I made up my mind to get even with Miss Bramlett, for she insulted me when I asked her to join our Tramp Reform Association, and I determined to have my revenge. I told my friend Miss Clattermouth all about it, as soon as we met, and we then began to arrange our plans to expose that hussy. I told my dear friend, says I:
“‘“Jerusha,” says I——’
“‘Never mind what you told your friend—confine your statements to what you heard Miss Bramlett say.’
“‘That is the very thing I was doing when you interrupted me.’
“‘If you ever saw Miss Bramlett go from Mr. Ragland’s residence to the apartments of Mr. Bowles, tell all about it.’
“‘La, bless your soul, I was telling that very thing when you interrupted me; yes, I should say I did see her go to the apartments of Mr. Bowles! The night was quite dark, and the lamp-lights were very dim, but I was close enough to see her go through the slip-gap at the back of the garden. I was determined to stick to her until I could find out what she was up to. I never give up when I undertake anything—I despise people who always give up when they encounter difficulties! I followed her to Bowles’ quarters, and it was after she came out of his apartments that I heard her asking about the strychnine.’
“‘If your Honor please,’ said Mr. Rockland, ‘I cannot imagine what object my friend has in view by the introduction of this rigmarole. It would seem that the attorney for the State had lost sight of the charges contained in his bill of indictment, and was seeking merely to destroy the young lady’s character.’
“‘Let them go ahead, papa,’ said Lottie, ‘don’t stop them—that is the very thing we want them to prove.’