After a few preparatory remarks from the counsel for the prosecution, Mrs. Pocklington was sworn.
She deposed to the facts already known to the reader, her evidence being in substance much the same as that given before the bench of magistrates.
Mr. Serjeant Jawkins rose and proceeded to cross-examine the prosecutrix.
“When did you become aware of the fact that a burglar――as you are pleased to call the prisoner――was endeavouring to effect an entrance into your house?”
“And pray, madam, what was your reason for opening your window?”
“I heard a scraping noise at the front door, and suspected there was something amiss.”
“And you saw the prisoner at the door of the house?”
“We don’t want to know what you imagined. Will you swear that he was endeavouring to open it? Now be careful in your answers.”
“It appeared to me that he was doing so. The door was partly open.”
“And pray how long did you look at the prisoner before you struck him with the broom?”
“I should suppose not; but can you give us an idea how long it was――five minutes or five seconds, or more?”
“And so, Mrs. Pocklington, you deemed it expedient to act promptly. You commenced a most vigorous assault upon the prisoner without stopping to inquire whether he was a thief or a visitor?”
“How could you be sure? Did you see his face when you first struck him?”
“Is it your practice to assault persons with a house-broom?”
“I object to that question,” said the counsel for the prosecution, rising and interrupting his learned brother.
“Upon what grounds, brother Matchley?” inquired Serjeant Jawkins.
“I hope his lordship will rule that my questions are relevant.”
The judge signified that question might be put.
“Then it is fair to assume that this is an exceptional case,” said Serjeant Jawkins.
“You have not told us, Mrs. Pocklington, if you heard any one calling out or shouting before you opened the window and commenced hostilities?”
“You are quite sure you did not hear a man’s voice before you discovered the prisoner at the door of your house?”
“I never saw him before to my knowledge.”
“Is he also a stranger to your maid-servant?”
“Really, brother Jawkins, I think you are out of order. How is the witness to know whether he is a stranger or not to the servant? Ask the young woman herself when she is in the box.”