human
I can really give no particular reason, he said,
gpt
In fact, the counsel said suavely,
human
I don't look upon it in that light, the squire replied shortly.
gpt
I consider that in the first instance I acted hastily and unadvisedly, and on consideration I saw that I had done so.
human
I am afraid, Mr. Ellison, the counsel said,
gpt
I have only one or two questions to ask you, the counsel for the defence said, when he rose to cross-examine,
human
Not that I know of, the squire replied.
gpt
Certainly in the course of his duties he would never be there. Indeed, it would be very seldom that he would even enter the kitchen, except to bring in vegetables. Certainly he would never pass through to go upstairs. He could not possibly have done so without exciting attention and remarks.
human
He would therefore, Mr. Ellison, have no means of possessing any knowledge as to the internal arrangements of your house, beyond that possessed by the other people in the village?
gpt
None whatever,
human
Now, as to that unfortunate affair of the poisoning of your dog. Your opinion, as to the innocence of the prisoner in that matter, is not a recent one--not the outcome of his after good conduct and character?
gpt
Not at all, Mr. Ellison said.
human
I changed my opinion on the matter very shortly, indeed, after the affair.
gpt
Within a few days, I think I may say?
human
Within a very few days; I may almost say within a few hours, the squire replied.
gpt
The boy's story, told not to me but to another, that he believed the dog was poisoned by another lad in the village who owed him a grudge, and who has since turned out an exceedingly bad character, struck me as being very much more probable than that he should do it, himself.