Page:Henry Northcote (IA henrynorthcote00snairich).pdf/225

 Two maid servants were called in evidence, and examined by Mr. Topott with the same convincing brevity as the previous witnesses. Here again Northcote refrained from cross-examination.

"Ought to do something," whispered the ex-president in the ear of his friend. "Missing opportunities. Why don't he ask if she saw it administered?"

The chemist's assistant who had supplied the poison, and who had identified the portion found in the possession of the accused as part of that which had been sold to her, also escaped without a challenge. Five of her female associates were then called one after another. Their evidence was extremely damning. With the skilled aid of the junior counsel for the Crown, every rag of decency was stripped from the woman in the dock. She stood forth a veritable harpy and monster, several shades more infamous than themselves. As one after another of these witnesses was permitted to stand down without being subjected to the ordeal of cross-examination, the ex-president of the Oxford Union was moved to express his personal disappointment.

"Something might have been done with these, at any rate."

"I think you are right," said his friend; "but what's the good, after all. It is a waste of time to say anything."

"There is no defence, I am told."

"He will call evidence to show that she was subject to violent fits of passion when in drink."

"Ah, that is where Tobin will be missed. Really, one is surprised at Whitcomb and Whitcomb."