The Lonely Bride by Fred M. White

Such of those as had been fortunate enough to find their way into the courthouse watched the proceedings with deepest interest. The mere fact of a blackboard being set up right in front of the magistrate's desk was in itself an object of almost admiration. Everybody could see what was taking place, and as Billy advanced to the board with the piece of chalk in his hand, he was the focus of all eyes. He seemed to appreciate his position, and how important a figure he was for the moment. At a sign from Carden he took the piece of chalk and commenced to make marks on the big blackboard.

-"We had better let him go his own way," Carden said; "we have managed to make him understand that he is here to tell us the story of the murderous assault on Mr. Anstey. It is common knowledge that that assault was committed some time in the middle of the night, by somebody who knew that Mr. Anstey would be working very late in the bank. Now this dumb witness of mine has no settled home, he is privileged to sleep pretty well where he likes, and at this time of the year he likes a dry ditch as well as anything else. Everybody in his own neighborhood is aware of the fact that he is very fond of wandering about at nights, and undoubtedly he was close to the bank at the time Mr. Anstey was struck down. Every so-called question we put to him leads us to believe that such was the case."