It was then suggested that Rushbrook and his wife should be examined. There was a demur at the idea of the father and mother giving evidence against their child, but it was over-ruled, and in ten minutes they both made their appearance. Mrs Rushbrook, who had been counselled by her husband, was the first examined; but she would not answer any question put to her. She did nothing but weep; and to every question her only reply was, "If he did kill him, it was by accident; my boy would never commit murder." Nothing more was to be obtained from her; and the magistrates were so moved by her distress, that she was dismissed. Rushbrook trembled as he was brought in and saw the body laid out on the table; but he soon recovered himself, and became nerved and resolute, as people often will do in extremity. He had made up his mind to answer some questions, but not all. "Do you know at what time your son left the cottage?" "I do not." "Does that gun belong to you?" "Yes, it is mine." "Do you know that bag?" "Yes, it belongs to me." "It has been used for putting game into--has it not?" "I shall not answer that question. I'm not on trial." Many other questions were put to him, but he refused to answer them; and as they would all more or less have criminated himself as a poacher, his refusals were admitted. Rushbrook had played his game well in admitting the gun and bag to be his property, as it was of service to him, and no harm to Joey. After summing up the whole evidence, the coroner addressed the jury, and they returned a unanimous verdict of Wilful Murder against Joseph Rushbrook the younger; and the magistrates directed the sum of 200 pounds to be offered for our hero's apprehension. CHAPTER NINETEEN. A FRIEND IN NEED IS A FRIEND INDEED. Rushbrook and Jane returned to their cottage. Jane closed the door, and threw herself into her husband's arms. "You are saved at least," she cried: "thank Heaven for that! You are spared. Alas! we do not know how much we love till anger comes upon us."