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 1 ' (from the defendant's wife). 



