The trial proceeded. The cause of the death was scientifically stated by two medical men. Next followed the evidence as to the finding of the knife in the bedroom of the deceased; the discovery of the mortgage deed, and the large sum of money, in the prisoners' sleeping apartment; the finding the key of the back-door in the male prisoner's pocket; and his demeanor and expressions on the night of the perpetration of the crime. In his cross-examination of the constable, several facts perfectly new to me were elicited by the very able counsel for the prisoners. Their attorney had judiciously maintained the strictest secrecy as to the nature of the defence, so that it now took me completely by surprise. The constable, in reply to questions by counsel, stated that the pockets of the deceased were empty; that not only his purse, but a gold watch, chain, and seals, which he usually wore, had vanished, and no trace of them had as yet been discovered. Many other things were also missing. A young man of the name of Pearce, apparently a sailor, had been seen in the village once or twice in the company of Mary Strugnell; but he did not notice what sort of hat he generally wore; he had not seen Pearce since the night the crime was committed; had not sought for him. Mary Strugnell was the next witness. She repeated her previous evidence with precision and apparent sincerity, and then I abandoned her with a mixed feeling of anxiety and curiosity, to the counsel for the defence. A subtle and able cross-examination of more than two hours' duration followed; and at its conclusion, I felt that the case for the prosecution was so damaged, that a verdict of condemnation was, or ought to be, out of the question. The salient points dwelt upon, and varied in every possible way, in this long sifting, were these:--"What was the reason she did not return in the evening in question to her aunt's to supper as usual?" "She did not know, except that she wished to get home." "Did she keep company with a man of the name of Pearce?" "She had walked out with him once or twice." "When was the last time?" "She did not remember." "Did Pearce walk with her home on the night of the murder?" "No." "Not part of the way?" "Yes; part of the way." "Did Pearce sometimes wear a black, shiny hat?" "No--yes: she did not remember." "Where was Pearce now?" "She didn't know." "Had he disappeared since that Sunday evening?" "She didn't know." "Had she seen him since?" "No." "Had Mr. Wilson ever threatened to discharge her for insolence to Mrs. Armstrong?" "Yes; but she knew he was not in earnest." "Was not the clasp-knife that had been found always left in the kitchen for culinary purposes?" "No--not always; generally--but not _this _time that Armstrong went away, she was sure." "Mary Strugnell, you be a false-sworn woman before God and man!" interrupted the male prisoner with great violence of manner.