He gave his evidence upon the facts that led him to think the store was maliciously burned. Sheriff Coombs added his testimony upon this point. These facts, having been already given, need not be repeated. "This testimony gives no absolute proof that the store was burned by an incendiary," said the judge. "But I submit that the circumstances--the facts, if you please--lead to that conclusion," put in attorney Ham. "To be sure, they give rise to a strong suspicion that it was, but unless we get further testimony to this end, the court cannot hold the prisoner for trial." Mr. Rexford now gave his evidence, showing why he suspected Fred of being the guilty party. This being simply a hearing before a justice, Mr. Farrington was allowed to serve Fred in place of a lawyer. "You say," said Mr. Farrington, addressing the witness, "you thought at the time you discharged Fred Worthington from your employ that some sort of revenge would follow. Will you kindly state why you thought so?" "His manner indicated it." "In what way, please?" "He was very saucy and impudent." "In what manner was he impudent?" "He threatened me." "Simply because you informed him you wouldn't need his services longer?" "Well, yes, that is about it," answered the witness hesitatingly. "The court would like to know the exact facts," said Judge Plummer. "I shall endeavor to give them," answered the witness. "Then please state in what way he threatened you," said Mr. Farrington. "It was in his manner. I had to conciliate him to save trouble. I was absolutely afraid of him." "In what way did you conciliate him?" "By modifying my statement." "What was your statement?" "It was something about his taking money from my drawer." "You charged him, then, with stealing?" "Not exactly." "This was the point, however, that you modified?" "Yes." "Did that satisfy him?" "Well, yes, it seemed to," admitted the witness reluctantly. "Then, Mr. Rexford, your testimony shows that Fred Worthington did not complain at being discharged, but at a statement which you had no right to make. I judge he simply acted as any proud spirited boy would have done." John Rexford grew fidgety. "Was there any other cause for his being impudent?" "No." "No question of settlement, I suppose?" "Nothing worth speaking of," answered the witness, growing very nervous. "As it may have some bearing upon this case, you will please state what it was." Mr. Farrington had a whispered consultation with Fred at this juncture, which made the merchant very ill at ease, and caused him to testify more fully upon the point than he otherwise would have done. "I at first thought I would keep the amount due him to make up my loss; but his manner was so hostile that I feared he would injure me in some way, so I gave him the money." "Did he threaten you with personal violence?" "No." "He made no threat at all, then?"