Bud stopped at the door, where he was completely out of sight of the witness, concealed by the excited spectators, who stood on the benches to see what was going on in front.
"The witness will please proceed," said Bronson.
"If the court please"-- it was Ralph who spoke--"I believe I have as much at stake in this trial as any one.

That witness is evidently intimidated.

But not by Mr.Means.I ask that Dr.Small be removed out of sight of the witness." "A most extraordinary request, truly." This was what Small's bland countenance said; he did not open his lips.
"It's no more than fair," said Squire Hawkins, adjusting his wig, "that the witness be relieved of everything that anybody might think affects his veracity in this matter." Dr.Small, giving Walter one friendly, appealing look, moved back by the door, and stood alongside Bud, as meek, quiet, and disinterested as any man in the house.
"The witness will now proceed with his testimony." This time it was Squire Hawkins who spoke.

Bronson had been attacked with a suspicion that this witness was not just what he wanted, and had relapsed into silence.
Walter's struggle was by no means ended by the disappearance of Small and Bud.

There came the recollection of his mother's stern face--a face which had never been a motive toward the right, but only a goad to deception.