“Do not despair,” said Alfred: “still we have a chance that their own witnesses may cross each other, or contradict themselves. Falsehood, with all its caution, is seldom consistent.” The trial proceeded. Alfred, in the midst of the fears and sighs of his friends, and of the triumphant smiles and anticipating congratulations of his enemies, continued to keep both his temper and his understanding cool. His attention was fixed upon the evidence produced, regardless of the various suggestions whispered or written to him by ignorant or learned advisers. William Clerke, the only surviving witness to the deed of revocation produced by Sir Robert, was the person on whose evidence this cause principally rested. He was now summoned to appear, and room was made for him. He was upwards of eighty years of age: he came slowly into court, and stood supporting himself upon his staff, his head covered with thin gray hairs, his countenance placid and smiling, and his whole appearance so respectable, so venerable, as to prepossess, immediately, the jury and the court in his favour. Alfred Percy could scarcely believe it possible, that such a man as this could be the person suborned to support a forgery. After being sworn, he was desired to sit down, which he did, bowing respectfully to the court. Sir Robert Percy’s counsel proceeded to examine him as to the points they desired to establish. “Your name, sir, is William Clerke, is it not?” “My name is William Clerke,” answered the old man, in a feeble voice. “Did you ever see this paper before?” showing him the deed. “I did--I was present when Sir John Percy signed it--he bid me witness it, that is, write my name at the bottom, which I did, and then he said, ‘Take notice, William Clerke, this is a deed, revoking the deed by which I made over my Hampshire estate to my youngest grandson, Lewis Percy.’” The witness was going on, but the counsel interrupted. “You saw Sir John Percy sign this deed--you are sure of that?” “I am sure of that.” “Is this Sir John Percy’s signature?” “It is--the very same I saw him write; and here is my own name, that he bid me put just there.” “You can swear that this is your handwriting?” “I can--I do.” “Do you recollect what time Sir John Percy signed this deed?” “Yes; about three or four days before his death.” “Very well, that is all we want of you, Mr. Clerke.” Alfred Percy desired that Clerke should be detained in court, that he might cross-examine him. The defendants went on, produced their evidence, examined all their witnesses, and established all they desired. Then it came to Alfred’s turn to cross-examine the witnesses that had been produced by his adversary. When William Clerke re-appeared, Alfred regarding him stedfastly, the old man’s countenance changed a little; but still he looked prepared to stand a cross-examination. In spite of all his efforts, however, he trembled.