"Our worshipful brother Spikeman," answered the Deputy Governor, with
a sneer, (which he did not attempt to suppress,) "was not always ready
to allow such free-speech, as witness the case of Martin Wrexham,
banished for speaking to his disparagement."

"I trust that I shall be able to give the worshipful Deputy Governor
such reasons for my conduct, as will satisfy him," said Spikeman.

Dudley threw himself back into his chair, as if not half satisfied;
and Winthrop, who had calmly listened to the colloquy, took advantage
of the pause that ensued, to direct the other witness to testify.

From the examination, it appeared that he had been present at the
conversation referred to by Timpson, that, indeed, it was between Joy
and himself, and that the former had not been aware of the presence of
the informer, until on turning round, when Timpson was standing at his
elbow. He recollected nothing said by Joy about the ministers, except
that he had, any day, rather listen to one of Corporal Joly's songs,
than Mr. Cotton's long sermons; nor respecting the magistrates, but
that there were better judges in England.

The testimony being concluded, the prisoner was asked what he had to
say for himself, to which he replied:

"Only that Hezekiah Timpson was an eves-dropping, lying villain, and
that the other witness had told the truth. He meant no harm by
anything he had said."

"Dost think it advisable to retract anything?" inquired Spikeman.