I did make a statement of the facts so far as I knew them, adding that
the evidence of Sir John Bell and the nurse was a tissue of falsehoods,
and that the former had been my constant enemy ever since I began to
practise in Dunchester, and more especially since the issue of a certain
case, in the treatment of which I had proved him to be wrong. When my
statement had been taken down and I had signed it, the chairman, after
a brief consultation with his companions, announced that, as those
concerned had thought it well to institute this prosecution, in the face
of the uncontradicted evidence of Sir John Bell the bench had no option
but to send me to take my trial at the Dunchester Assizes, which were to
be held on that day month. In order, however, to avoid the necessity
of committing me to jail, they would be prepared to take bail for my
appearance in a sum of 500 pounds from myself, and 500 pounds, in two
sureties of 250 pounds, or one of the whole amount.

Now I looked about me helplessly, for I had no relations in Dunchester,
where I had not lived long enough to form friends sufficiently true
to be willing to thus identify themselves publicly with a man in great
trouble.

"Thank you for your kindness," I said, "but I think that I must go to
prison, for I do not know whom to ask to go bail for me."

As I spoke there was a stir at the back of the crowded court, and an
ungentle voice called out, "I'll go bail for you, lad."

"Step forward whoever spoke," said the clerk, and a man advanced to the
table.

He was a curious and not very healthy-looking person of about fifty