No Fear or Favour by Henry Cecil

Author:Henry Cecil
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: House of Stratus

CHAPTER NINE

Margaret Vane

Margaret Vane had arrived at the court in time but only just. It is hard luck on witnesses, who have to come to court on pain of fine or imprisonment and then sometimes have to wait hours before they are called into the witness box. On the other hand, the courts could not function properly unless witnesses were compelled to attend court (unless ill) in plenty of time to be available to give their evidence.

The reason that Margaret was nearly late was because she had been at the hospital where the man who had been injured when the car charged at her was still detained. She hated to leave him and on this occasion stayed too long.

She went into the witness box and took the oath.

‘Miss Vane,’ began Stokes, ‘you may be in the witness box a long time. I’m sure his lordship would let you sit down if you wanted.’

‘Thank you. I’d prefer to stand for the moment.’

‘Is your name Margaret Vane and do you live at–’

But Margaret interrupted.

‘May I write my address down, please, my lord?’ she asked.

‘Certainly,’ said the judge.

‘Am I allowed to see it?’ asked Ledbury.

‘Is it relevant to the case?’

‘How can I tell without seeing it?’

‘If it becomes necessary for the purposes of your defence,’ said the judge, ‘you shall certainly see it.’

‘Thank you, my lord. It’s nice to know that an accused person may be allowed to see the evidence on which he is being tried.’

‘Unless it is relevant the jury won’t see it or hear it.’

‘If it isn’t relevant, my lord,’ asked Ledbury, ‘why is she asked the question at all?’

‘It is desirable that the name and address of every witness shall be recorded. For one thing it might be necessary to get in touch with them again.’

‘All right. Forget the address. I don’t want to see it.’

‘If you don’t behave yourself I shall fine you for contempt of court,’ said the judge.

‘I’m sorry, my lord,’ said Ledbury. ‘Please ascribe my misbehaviour to over-anxiety. It’s a new and very unpleasant experience being in the dock.’

‘Let’s get on, Mr Stokes,’ said the judge. ‘Is this your address, Miss Vane?’ he continued, looking at the piece of paper on which Margaret had written it.

‘Yes, my lord.’

‘Very well then. Yes, Mr Stokes?’

‘Miss Vane,’ said Stokes, ‘what are you?’

‘At the moment, d’you mean?’ asked Margaret.

‘Very well, at the moment.’

‘I can only describe myself as a hunted woman.’

‘I beg your pardon?’ said Stokes.

‘A hunted woman. Two attempts have been made either to kidnap or murder me. I’m under constant police protection. Even at this moment. I like policemen very much but, as the Duke in Patience said, toffee for breakfast, toffee for dinner–’

‘Miss Vane,’ said the judge, ‘please confine yourself to answering the questions.’

‘I’m sorry, my lord, but I want you and the public to know my position. I’m less free than the man in the dock and in constant danger.’

‘Are you suggesting that your situation is anything to do with the accused?’

‘Of course I am, my lord.

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