“It was a dark night, was it not?” “Rather dark.” “And pray how long did you look at the prisoner before you struck him with the broom?” “Oh! not long.” “I should suppose not; but can you give us an idea how long it was――five minutes or five seconds, or more?” “It was not five minutes.” “Nearer five seconds――eh?” “I can’t say exactly. It was not long.” “And so, Mrs. Pocklington, you deemed it expedient to act promptly. You commenced a most vigorous assault upon the prisoner without stopping to inquire whether he was a thief or a visitor?” “I was sure he was not a visitor.” “How could you be sure? Did you see his face when you first struck him?” “No, his back was towards me.” “Is it your practice to assault persons with a house-broom?” “I object to that question,” said the counsel for the prosecution, rising and interrupting his learned brother. They are all brothers in a court of law. “Upon what grounds, brother Matchley?” inquired Serjeant Jawkins. “As irrelevant.” “I hope his lordship will rule that my questions are relevant.” The judge signified that question might be put. It was again repeated. The witness said sharply―― “No, it is not my practice to do so.” “Then it is fair to assume that this is an exceptional case,” said Serjeant Jawkins. “You have not told us, Mrs. Pocklington, if you heard any one calling out or shouting before you opened the window and commenced hostilities?” “I did not hear any one call out.” “You are quite sure you did not hear a man’s voice before you discovered the prisoner at the door of your house?” “I did not hear any voice.” “Is the prisoner a stranger to you?” “I never saw him before to my knowledge.” “Is he also a stranger to your maid-servant?” “I believe so.” “Really, brother Jawkins, I think you are out of order. How is the witness to know whether he is a stranger or not to the servant? Ask the young woman herself when she is in the box.” “I thank you for your suggestion, brother Matchley. It would be the best course. I have no further questions to put to the present witness.” Mrs. Pocklington retired, and the servant-girl was placed in the box. After she had deposed to facts connected with the case, she underwent a severe cross-examination, which took a humorous turn, eliciting laughter in the body of the court, which was, of course, immediately suppressed. When the examination of the police was concluded, Mr. Serjeant Jawkins rose for the defence. He said――