“This is a cross-examination; and the question is one in chief. The witness belongs to the defence, if the question is to be put at all.” “I think not, your honour. The witness has testified, in chief, that he believes these remains to be those of Peter and Dorothy Goodwin; he has further said, on his cross-examination, that Dorothy was half an inch taller than Peter; we now wish to put to the test the accuracy of the first opinion, by comparing the two facts—his knowledge of the difference by the former measurement as compared with the present. It has been said that these two skeletons are very nearly of a length. We wish the truth to be seen.” “The witness will answer the question,” said the judge. “I doubt the power of the court to compel a witness to obtain facts in this irregular mode,” observed the pertinacious Williams. “You can note your exceptions, brother Williams,” returned the judge, smiling; “although it is not easy to see with what useful consequences. If the prisoner be acquitted, you can hardly expect to try her again; and, if convicted, the prosecution will scarcely wish to press any objection.” Williams, who was as much influenced by a bull-dog tenacity, as by any other motive, now submitted; and Burton took the rod and measured the skeletons, an office he might have declined, most probably, had he seen fit. The spectators observed surprise in his countenance; and he was seen to repeat the measurement, seemingly with more care. “Well, sir, what is the difference in the length of those skeletons?” inquired Dunscomb. “I make it about an inch and a half, if these marks are to be relied on,” was the slow, cautious, well-considered reply. “Do you now say that you believe these skeletons to be the remains of Peter and Dorothy Goodwin?” “Whose else can they be? They were found on the spot where the old couple used to sleep.” “I ask you to answer _my_ question; I am not here to answer _yours_. Do you still say that you believe these to be the skeletons of Peter and Dorothy Goodwin?” “I am a good deal non-plussed by this measurement—though the flesh, and skin, and muscles, may have made a considerable difference in life.” “Certainly,” said Williams, with one of his withering sneers—sneers that had carried many a cause purely by their impudence and sarcasm—“Every one knows how much more muscle a man has than a woman. It causes the great difference in their strength. A bunch of muscles, more or less in the heel, would explain all this, and a great deal more.” “How many persons dwelt in the house of Goodwin at the time of the fire?” demanded Dunscomb. “They tell me Mary Monson was there, and I saw her there during the fire; but I never saw her there before.” “Do you know of any other inmate besides the old couple and the prisoner?” “I did see a strange woman about the house for a week or two before the fire, but I never spoke to her. They tell me she was High Dutch.”