His business, the witness replied to the coroner, was his own business, and did not concern the public, and he respectfully declined to state it.

He presumed Calne was a free place like other places, where a stranger might spend a few days without question, if he pleased.
Pike chuckled at this: incipient resistance to authority cheered that lawless man's heart.

He had stood throughout, in the shadow of the crowd, just within the door, attentively watching the witnesses as they gave their evidence: but he was not prepared for what was to come next.
Did the witness see any other spectators on the bank?
continued the coroner.

Only one, was the answer: a man called Pike, or some such name.
Pike was watching the little boat on the river when he got up to him; he remarked to Pike that his lordship's arm seemed tired; and he and Pike had walked back to Calne together.
Pike would have got away had he been able, but the coroner whispered to an officer.

For one single moment Mr.Pike seemed inclined to show fight; he began struggling, not gently, to reach the door; the next he gave it up, and resigned himself to his fate.