Magistrate. [Hissing with protruded neck.] You did not steal it—­ you took it.  Did it belong to you—­what is that but stealing?

Jones.  I took it.

Magistrate.  You took it—­you took it away from their house and you took it to your house——­

Jones. [Sullenly breaking in.] I ain’t got a house.

Magistrate.  Very well, let us hear what this young man Mr.—­Mr.
Barthwick has to say to your story.

     [Snow leaves the witness-box.  The bald constable beckons Jack,
     who, clutching his hat, goes into the witness-box.  Roper moves
     to the table set apart for his profession.]

Swearing clerk.  The evidence you give to the court shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God.  Kiss the book.

     [The book is kissed.]

Roper. [Examining.] What is your name?

Jack. [In a low voice.] John Barthwick, Junior.

     [The clerk writes it down.]

Roper.  Where do you live?

Jack.  At 6, Rockingham Gate.

     [All his answers are recorded by the Clerk.]

Roper.  You are the son of the owner?

Jack. [In a very low voice.] Yes.

Roper.  Speak up, please.  Do you know the prisoners?

Jack. [Looking at the Joneses, in a low voice.] I ’ve seen Mrs.
Jones.  I [in a loud voice] don’t know the man.

Jones.  Well, I know you!

Bald constable.  HSSh!

Roper.  Now, did you come in late on the night of Easter Monday?

Jack.  Yes.

Roper.  And did you by mistake leave your latch key in the door?

Jack.  Yes.

Magistrate.  Oh!  You left your latch-key in the door?

Roper.  And is that all you can remember about your coming in?

Jack. [In a loud voice.] Yes, it is.

Magistrate.  Now, you have heard the male prisoner’s story, what do you say to that?

Jack. [Turning to the magistrate, speaks suddenly in a confident, straight-forward voice.] The fact of the matter is, sir, that I ’d been out to the theatre that night, and had supper afterwards, and I came in late.

Magistrate.  Do you remember this man being outside when you came in?

Jack.  No, Sir. [He hesitates.] I don’t think I do.

Magistrate. [Somewhat puzzled.] Well, did he help you to open the door, as he says?  Did any one help you to open the door?

Jack.  No, sir—­I don’t think so, sir—­I don’t know.

Magistrate.  You don’t know?  But you must know.  It is n’t a usual thing for you to have the door opened for you, is it?