Considering his previous good character, I ought not to have assumed his guilt without more positive evidence than I had before me.

I may also say that the schoolmaster of our village will give the prisoner the highest character for truthfulness, and he has known him ever since.

His present employer, Mr.Penfold, is also, I believe, ready to testify to his excellent conduct during his four years of apprenticeship." "I suppose, Mr.Ellison," the senior magistrate said, "you have not, at any time since the poisoning of the dog, obtained any actual evidence which would show that you were mistaken in your first view, and that your subsequent change of opinion was due solely to your general view of the boy's character, so far as you knew it." "That is so," the squire assented and, no further question being asked, he resumed his seat.

His evidence had caused surprise and some little amusement in court.

It was clear that there was a strong difference of opinion between him and his wife on the subject; and that, while the lady had something like an animus against the prisoner, the squire was strongly impressed in his favour.