Here Dunscomb’s face was lighted with a smile; he evidently was encouraged. “Were you present, Mrs. Burton, when Mary Monson’s purse was examined, in presence of the inquest?” “I was.” “Did you then see its contents?” “I did”—after the longest pause of all. “Had you that purse in your hand, ma’am?” The brow was once more shaded, and the recollection seemingly taxed. “I think I had. It was passed round among us, and I believe that I touched it, as well as others.” “Are you not certain that you did so?” “Yes, sir. Now, I reflect, I know that I did. The piece of money found in Mary Monson’s purse, was passed from one to another, and to me, among the rest.” “This was very wrong,” observed his honour. “It was wrong, sir; but not half as wrong as the murders and arson,” coolly remarked Williams. “Go on, gentlemen—time is precious.” “Now, Mrs. Burton, I wish to ask you a very particular question, and I beg that your answer may be distinct and guarded—did you ever have access to the piece of gold found, or said to be found, in Mary Monson’s purse, except on the occasion of the inquest?” The longest pause of all, and the deepest shading of the brow. So long was the self-deliberation this time, as to excite a little remark among the spectators. Still, it was no more than prudent to be cautious, in a cause of so much importance. “I certainly have, sir,” was the reply that came at last. “I saw it in Dorothy Goodwin’s stocking, several times; had it in my hand, and examined it. This is the way I came to discover the notch. Aunt Dolly and I talked about that notch, as I have already told the court.” “Quite true, ma’am, we remember that; all your answers are carefully written out—” “I’m sure nothing that I have said can be written out, which is not true, sir.” “We are to suppose that. And now, ma’am, permit me to ask if you ever saw that piece of money at any other time than at those you have mentioned. Be particular in the answer.” “I may,” after a long pause. “Do you not _know_?” “I do not, sir.” “Will you say, on your oath, that you cannot recollect any one occasion, other than those you have mentioned, on which you have seen and handled that piece of money?” “When aunt Dolly showed it to me, before the coroner, and here in court. I recollect no other time.” “Let me put this question to you again, Mrs. Burton—recalling the solemnity of the oath you have taken—have you, or have you not, seen that piece of money on any other occasion than those you have just mentioned?” “I do not remember ever to have seen it at any other time,” answered the woman, firmly.