You have heard that the dog was poisoned, and that the evidence was so strong that his employer at once dismissed him.

It is true that Mr.Ellison has told you that he afterwards changed his mind on the subject; but after the evidence which Mr.Penfold has given, of the kindness of that gentleman's heart, you will readily understand that no great stress can be laid upon this.

The matter, so far from being trivial, as my friend represents it, is highly important; inasmuch as here we find that, again, the dogs have been poisoned just as on the first occasion.

It is clear that burglars from London would be ignorant of the whereabouts of the kennels, and were not likely to have come down provided with a store of poisoned meat; had they not known, from persons well acquainted with the place, of the steps that would have to be taken before an entry could be effected into the house.

You will therefore see the extreme importance of this point.
"I am perfectly ready to admit that the evidence is of a wholly circumstantial nature but, from the nature of the case, it is necessary that this should be so.