"It looks as if the Count Luigi was in possession of the battery at the time of the assault." Nothing further was elicited from Mr.Buckstone on direct examination.
Mr.Wilson took the witness.
"Mr.Buckstone, about what time was it that that conversation took place ?" "Toward nine yesterday evening, sir." "Did you then proceed directly to the hall ?" "Yes, sir." "How long did it take you to go there ?" "Well, we walked; and as it was from the extreme edge of the town, and there was no hurry, I judge it took us about twenty minutes, maybe a trifle more." "About what hour was the kick delivered ?" "About thirteen minutes and a half to ten." "Admirable! You are a pattern witness, Mr.Buckstone.How did you happen to look at your watch at that particular moment ?" "I always do it when I see an assault.

It's likely I shall be called as a witness, and it's a good point to have." "It would be well if others were as thoughtful.

Was anything said, between the conversation at my house and the assault, upon the detail which we are now examining into ?" "No, sir." "If power over the mutual legs was in the possession of one brother at nine, and passed into the possession of the other one during the next thirty or forty minutes, do you think you could have detected the change ?" "By no means!" "That is all, Mr.Buckstone." Mrs.Patsy Cooper was called.

The crowd made way for her, and she came smiling and bowing through the narrow human lane, with Betsy Hale, as escort and support, smiling and bowing in her wake, the audience breaking into welcoming cheers as the old favorites filed along.

The judge did not check this kindly demonstration of homage and affection, but let it run its course unrebuked.
The old ladies stopped and shook hands with the twins with effusion, then gave the judge a friendly nod, and bustled into the seats provided for them.