The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 235: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

218 REYNOLDS’ WORKS were labelled, ‘ Mrs. Smith, passenger, Dover.’ I asked her why she took a false name? She gave some evasive reply, but again recovering her effrontery, demanded who Iwas. I told her that I was a detective officer, and gave her to under- stand that my mission was merely to prevent her from running away from her recognizances, and to enforce her attendance at this trial. She did not choose to pursue her journey after receiving this intelligence, because I further stated that if on arriving at Dover by the railway, she at- tempted to embark on board a vessel, I should at once take her into custody. She remained at home for the few days which intervened until it was necessary for her to set off to come to Liverpool. Myself and the other detective continued to watch the house unceasingly after the affair of that intended journey, and in order that Mrs. Webber might not give me the slip between London and Liverpool, I took my place in the same carriage with herself.”’ The detective, whose evidence had produced a consid- erable sensation in court, was now cross-examined by the counsel for the prosecution, and the following string of answers will show the nature of the questions put : ‘““T have been watching Mrs. Webber for six months. I decline to say what is the name of the gentleman who em- ployed me, but this I will of my own accord declare, — that my conviction is he never was the protector of the prisoner, nor was improperly familiar with her, but merely took up her case from motives of humanity. It is true that he has paid all my expenses and has rewarded me liberally. It is no unusual thing for the detectives to be employed by private individuals; nor is it unusual for them to be thus occupied so long a time. I know nothing, and did not mean to infer anything, against the character of the Smedley’s. It is perfectly true that they pass in their own neighbourhood as respectable people, and that Smedley is an active member of a religious congregation. It is likewise true that Mrs. Webber is considered in the same neighbourhood a respect- able woman.” Here ended the cross-examination on the part of the pros- ecuting counsel, and the barrister for Lettice Rodney’s defence said to the detective, ‘You must now go out of court and out of hearing, but I shall require your at- tendance again presently.” : Se PTR: HRS Gomichbooks (E(0) =)