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John acquitted himself well in the witness-box. Under Sir Ernest's skilful
handling, he told his tale credibly and well. The anonymous note received by
him was produced, and handed to the jury to examine. The readiness with
which he admitted his financial difficulties, and the disagreement with his
stepmother, lent value to his denials.
At the close of his examination, he paused, and said:
"I should like to make one thing clear. I utterly reject and disapprove of Sir
Ernest Heavywether's insinuations against my brother. My brother, I am
convinced, had no more to do with the crime than I have."
Sir Ernest merely smiled, and noted with a sharp eye that John's protest
had produced a very favourable impression on the jury.
Then the cross-examination began.
"I understand you to say that it never entered your head that the witnesses
at the inquest could possibly have mistaken your voice for that of Mr.
Inglethorp. Is not that very surprising?"
"No, I don't think so. I was told there had been a quarrel between my mother
and Mr. Inglethorp, and it never occurred to me that such was not really the
case."
"Not when the servant Dorcas repeated certain fragments of the
conversation--fragments which you must have recognized?"
"
"
"
I did not recognize them."
Your memory must be unusually short!"
No, but we were both angry, and, I think, said more than we meant. I paid
very little attention to my mother's actual words."
Mr. Philips' incredulous sniff was a triumph of forensic skill. He passed on
to the subject of the note.
"You have produced this note very opportunely. Tell me, is there nothing
familiar about the hand-writing of it?"
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