and returned towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards,

however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me to run back

again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, with his head terribly

injured. I dropped my gun and held him in my arms, but he almost instantly

expired. I knelt beside him for some minutes, and then made my way to Mr.

Turner’s lodge-keeper, his house being the nearest, to ask for

assistance. I saw no one near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how

he came by his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and

forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no active enemies. I

know nothing further of the matter.’


“The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before he died?


“Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some allusion to

a rat.


“The Coroner: What did you understand by that?


“Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was delirious.


“The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father had this

final quarrel?


“Witness: I should prefer not to answer.


“The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it.


“Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can assure you

that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which followed.


“The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point out to

you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case considerably in any

future proceedings which may arise.


“Witness: I must still refuse.


“The Coroner: I understand that the cry of ‘Cooee’ was a

common signal between you and your father?


“Witness: It was.


“The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw you, and

before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol?


“Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know.


“A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions when you