Counsel then ran him hard and fast through all the details of the scene he had described. Asked for descriptions of the castle, of the room, of the persons. Turned back upon his own family. Where were they at the time? How did he correspond with them? Where were they now? He was on bad terms with them. How was that? He said he was of no profession. Was he a man of private fortune? How did he live? Who paid his expenses in coming here? What did he expect beyond? Then suddenly round again. Where did he sleep the night before the mock-marriage? At Marazion? What was the name of the inn? Where did he go afterwards? From what place did he come? Then abruptly, did he know Michael Sinson? How long had he been acquainted with him? What intercourse had been between them? Had Michael promised him anything for coming here? Again back to his career at the university; his subsequent life; his present circumstances. And once more to Trevethlan Castle; again to describe the almost incredible proceeding to which he had so distinctly sworn, and all the circumstances of his intimacy with Ashton. But this cross-questioning failed in materially shaking Everope's evidence in chief. He was forced into a considerable exposure of himself; but, perhaps, even after making the allowance which he claimed for youth and inexperience, the mere avowal of his participation in so detestable a plot was sufficiently damning, without any aggravation. It was evidently not improbable that, at so distant a time, he might not well remember the details of the scene. Only once did he seem likely to be overturned. "Have you ever been in the neighbourhood since?" he was asked. "Once." "And when was that?" "About six weeks ago." "Were you alone?" "No, I was with Michael Sinson, whom you have mentioned." "Indeed! And why did you come? You need not hesitate." "I came to refresh my memory," Everope answered boldly. "And to good purpose," counsel said, "for it has been very convenient." But the leader was on the point of sitting down, when Rereworth gave him a slip of paper, and he asked one more question. "Pray, sir, are you personally acquainted with the defendant in this action?" "No," Everope said. "It is I!" Randolph exclaimed, rising from his seat, and fixing the spendthrift. "Order, order," was murmured, and the interrupter, who drew the attention of every one in court, sat down. It was a few moments before the excitement occasioned by this incident had subsided. There was a general stir to obtain a second look of the unknown possessor of Trevethlan Castle. "Morton!" the witness had meantime exclaimed, showing signs of confusion for the first time. "You do know him, then?" said the counsel, and sat down. But the question did not seem to be advantageous to the defendant's interest. "What do you know of Mr. Trevethlan?" Everope's former examiner asked, having heard his exclamation.