Coroner and jury alike literally hung breathless on every word that shabby, vulgar individual uttered.
You see, by itself his evidence would have been worth very little, but coming on the top of that given by James Terry, its significance--more, its truth--had become glaringly apparent.

Closely cross-examined, he adhered strictly to his statement; and having finished his evidence, George Higgins remained in charge of the constables, and the next witness of importance was called up.
"This was Mr.Chipps, the senior footman in the employment of Lord Arthur Skelmerton.

He deposed that at about 10.30 on the Friday evening a 'party' drove up to 'The Elms' in a fly, and asked to see Lord Arthur.
On being told that his lordship had company he seemed terribly put out.
"'I hasked the party to give me 'is card,' continued Mr.Chipps, 'as I didn't know, perhaps, that 'is lordship might wish to see 'im, but I kept 'im standing at the 'all door, as I didn't altogether like his looks.

I took the card in.

His lordship and the gentlemen was playin' cards in the smoking-room, and as soon as I could do so without disturbing 'is lordship, I give him the party's card.' "'What name was there on the card ?' here interrupted the coroner.
"'I couldn't say now, sir,' replied Mr.Chipps; 'I don't really remember.