The judge looked annoyed, and the solicitor Pollard somewhat dismayed, at this sudden disappearance of the leader for the Crown. But young Pollard himself was only too pleased. At last he was to have his chance. He was left captain of the ship. If all went well he might hope to get through the evidence, and have the concluding speech in Prescott's absence. And his satisfaction was shared by Tressamer. Tressamer knew his man. For the first time that morning a look of satisfaction crossed his face, and he settled his wig firmly on his head as he prepared to encounter the moving spirit of the prosecution.
And Eleanor? She did not altogether understand what had happened. But she saw that the man who had put the case against her so mildly had now gone out of it altogether, and her heart gave a great beat of joy for the first time since she had parted with George Tressamer two days before the memorable first of June.
A dark, big man stepped into the box, frowning heavily around him. The oath was administered, and then Mr. Pollard commenced in the approved style.
'Your name is John Lewis, and you are now living at The Shrubbery, Porthstone?'
'That's where the murder was committed?' interrupted the judge.
'Yes, my lord. The witness inherited it under Miss Lewis's will.'
The Judge: 'Have you lived there ever since?'
The Judge (after a pause, during which Mr. Pollard waits impatiently): 'Go on, Mr. Pollard. What are you keeping us for?'
Mr. Pollard: 'I beg your lordship's pardon.' To witness: 'You are the nephew of the deceased, and have just returned from Australia?'
'After making some money out there, I believe?'
This interruption, it need not be said, came from Tressamer. He had risen to his feet, and put on that scowl of scornful indignation with which an experienced counsel knows how to daunt a young beginner and make him feel he has committed himself.
'My lord, my friend cannot prove that, and if he could it cannot possibly be evidence against the prisoner. It is a most improper question.'
'It is irrelevant,' he said, 'and I won't allow it if you object. In a case like this we can't be too strict, of course.'
Mr. Pollard began to realize that greatness has its snares as well as its triumphs. He tried to get back on to the track.