Lizzie did
not like the scene, but it helped to protect her from the contemplation of
the public, who, of course, were much gratified by high words between two
barristers. Lady Eustace was forced to remain in the private room during
the examination of Patience Crabstick and Mr. Cann, and so did not hear
it. Patience was a most obdurate and difficult witness--extremely averse
to say evil of herself, and on that account unworthy of the good things
which she had received. But Billy Cann was charming--graceful,
communicative, and absolutely accurate. There was no shaking him. The
learned and acute gentleman who tried to tear him in pieces could do
nothing with him. He was asked whether he had not been a professional
thief for ten years.
"Ten or twelve," said he.
"Did he expect that any juryman would believe him on his oath?"
"Not unless I am fully corroborated."
"Can you look that man in the face--that man who is at any rate so much
honester than yourself?" asked the learned gentleman with pathos. Billy
said that he thought he could, and the way in which he smiled upon Smiler
caused a roar through the whole court.
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