"As clearly as I see you, sir," replied the witness.
"Do you see him here?"
Hollinshaw turned instantly and pointed to Lauriston.
"That's the young man, sir," he answered, with confidence.
Amidst a general craning of necks, Melky whispered to Lauriston.
"You'd ought to ha' had a lawyer, mister!" he said. "S'elp me, I'm a
blooming fool for not thinking of it! Be careful--the Coroner's a-looking
at you!"
As a matter of fact, every person in the court was staring at Lauriston,
and presently the Coroner addressed him.
"Do you wish to ask this witness any questions?" he enquired.
Lauriston rose to his feet.
"No!" he replied. "What he says is quite correct. That is, as regards
myself."
The Coroner hesitated a moment; then he motioned to Hollinshaw to leave
the box, and once more turned to Lauriston.
"We will have your evidence now," he said. "And--let me warn you that
there is no obligation on you to say anything which would seem to
incriminate you."
CHAPTER NINE
WHOSE WERE THOSE RINGS?
Paying no attention to another attempted murmur of advice from Melky, who
seemed to be on pins and needles, Lauriston at once jumped to his feet and
strode to the witness-box.
Pages:
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88