150 The Amateur Poacher. 



velveteen jacket. The assistant, with the aid of a few 

 questions from the Clerk, gives his evidence very clear 

 and fairly. ' I saw the defendant's van go down the 

 lane/ he says : 



' It bean't my van,' interrupts the defendant ; ' it's 

 my brother's.' 



' You'll have an opportunity of speaking presently,' 

 says the Clerk. ' Go on ' (to the witness). 



' After the van went down the lane, it stopped by 

 the highway-road, and the horse was taken out The 

 women left the van with baskets, and went towards 

 the village.' 



' Yes, yes ; come to the point. Did you hide your- 

 self by order of the head keeper ? ' 



' I did in the nutwood hedge by Three Corner 

 Piece ; after a bit I saw the defendant.' 



' Had you any reason for watching there ? ' 



' There was a wire and a rabbit in it.' 



* Well, what happened ? 



' I waited a long time, and presently the defend- 

 ant got over the gate. He was very particular not to 

 step on the soft mud by the gate he kind of leaped 

 over it, not to leave the mark of his boots. He had 

 a lurcher with him, and I was afraid the dog would 

 scent me in the hedge.' 



' You rascal ! ' (from the defendant's wife). 



