The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 86: what you’re looking at

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

THE PRISONER IN THE DOCK 69 stance of the dagger, he said “‘ that it had been incontestably proved that the weapon belonged to Bertram, and that the jury, with this fact before them, would have to weigh well whether, under all the circumstances, it was Bertram’s hand which committed the deed, or whether some other person had obtained possession of that dagger with the foulest of purposes.”’ The coroner had remarked “ that it was cer- tainly extraordinary that Bertram should have had the dagger about him at the time when he was walking with the duchess and when the incident occurred that compelled him to fly from Oaklands. None of the witnesses had been able to throw any light upon that point, — such, for instance, as proving that the dagger was still in Bertram’s room at the time of his flight, or, on the other hand, that they missed it from the room. Certain it was the dagger had dealt the murderous blow, and it was for.the jury to say whether the hand of Bertram or that of an unknown assassin had wielded the weapon.’ Having commented upon all other parts of the evidence, the coroner had left the matter in the hands of the jury. The depositions concluded by stating that a verdict of “ Wilful murder ”’ was returned against Bertram Vivian, alias Lord Clandon. When the clerk of the court had finished reading these depositions, the inspector said, ‘‘ I now propose, your wor- ship, to introduce a witness who will prove that the prisoner in the dock, so long known by the name of Clement Red- cliffe, is in reality the Bertram Vivian, alias Lord Clandon, against whom that verdict was returned; and I conceive that your worship will hold this evidence sufficient to remand the prisoner, if not finally to commit him for trial.” Lord Clandon, understanding that Sagoonah was the wit- ness alluded to, was again about to address the magistrate, to admit his identity, so that the ayah’s evidence might be dispensed with; for with a generous delieacy he was anxious to prevent Queen Indora’s name from being brought forward in the present proceedings. But Mr. Coleman, advancing toward the dock, whispered to the prisoner in the following manner: | “Your lordship must really suffer the proceedings to take. their course. As there will inevitably be a trial, — and I hope to God it will only be for form’s sake! — but still as a COnNICLOOKS (SO)