TRIAL OF THE BRAES CROFTERS. 63 



of the Prisoners, what was your reply the first time ? I said who asked 

 that of me. 



Did you refuse to answer any question when I asked you ? I said I 

 had been already examined, and until I would go before the judge I 

 would not answer more questions. 



You came the following day and gave information. What led to 

 the change in your opinion ? Yes ; I did that when I heard who 

 it was. 



Did I not tell you the first night who it was ? Oh, yes, you did. 

 (Laughter). 



What brought about the change ? I did not wish to be examined. 



Did Martin tell you not to answer any questions ? He did not. 



Did you see Martin that night ? Yes. 



Where ? On the street at Portree. 



At the hotel door ? Yes. 



Waiting for you ? I do not know whether he was or not. 



Did he tell you to refuse to answer questions ? No ! he did not indeed. 



How did Donald Nicolson come to get hold of the summonses ? He 

 just came over from where he was and took them from him. 



How long had Martin the summonses in his hand before Nicolson got 

 them ? No time ; and he said he had come to deliver the summonses 

 with the Sheriff's warrant. 



Did he take them out of his pocket? Yes. 



How long was that before Nicolson got them ? I cannot say what 

 time. I had no watch. 



Did Martin offer the men the summonses ? I did not hear him. The 

 people would not take them from him. 



Then he did offer them ? He did not offer them at that time. 



Why had he the summonses in his hand ? There were some there for 

 whom the summonses were. 



My question was, why had Martin the summonses in his hand ? Oh, 

 God ! How could I know what they were in his hand for. 



Did he offer them ? He did not require to offer them. 



How long were you beside Martin at this time ? I was not long 

 when I was thrust away by the people. 



Did you know all the people ? I did not know them all. 



Had they anything on their heads ? The women had handkerchiefs 

 on their heads, but I do not know was it to protect them from the sun 

 or hide them. 



Why did you not lift up the summonses? Why should I lift them 

 when they were in pieces. 



