d give you evidence of the
extremely high character he bears. Mr. Shrewsbury will tell you
that he has, for the last four years, devoted no inconsiderable
portion of his leisure time to improve his education, and enable
him to recover the position occupied by his father, who was a
much-respected miller in this neighbourhood. I shall leave the case
in your hands, gentlemen, with an absolute confidence that you
will, without a moment's hesitation, find a verdict proclaiming the
innocence of my client; and enable him to leave the dock, without a
stain upon his character."

Chapter 5: Not Guilty!

The schoolmaster was the first witness called for the defence.
After stating that, although no evening was actually settled for
his coming over, he expected the prisoner one evening that week;
and that he had promised to bring his tools over, to do a little
job of carpentering; he also detailed his visit to the lane, and
the result of his observation there; and then gave Reuben the
highest character, saying that he had known him for five years, and
that he had an absolute confidence in his integrity and honesty.

"He has from the first," he said, "proved a most intelligent and
hard-working boy, anxious to improve himself and to get on in the
world. He has learnt all that I could teach him, and more. He is
one of the last persons in the world whom I should consider capable
of the crime with which he is charged. As to his having any
animosity to Mr. Ellison, I can swear that, on many different
occasions, he has expressed his high opinion of him; and has
declared that it was quite natural that, with the evidence before
him, he should have thought him guilty of poisoning the dog."

The keeper of the wayside public house, where he had breakfasted,
proved that he was struck with the prisoner's appearance when he
entered; that he was very pale, and seemed scarcely able to walk.
He had asked him the nearest way to Lewes, and had inquired whether
there was any chance of getting a lift; as he was anxious to get
back, as soon as possible.

Mr. Penfold was the next witness. He said that the prisoner had
been apprenticed to him, four years previously; that his general
conduct had been most excellent, and that he was remarkably quick
and intelligent, and was an excellent workman. During the time that
he had been employed, he had never lost a day.

"At the time he was apprenticed to you, Mr. Penfold," Reuben's
counsel asked, "were