Caldigate had admitted a promise, admitted that he had lived with the woman, admitted that she had passed by his name, admitted that there had been a conversation with the clergyman in regard to his marriage.

And now there were three others, besides the woman herself, who were ready to swear,--who had sworn,--that they had witnessed the ceremony! A clerk had been sent out early in November by Robert and William Bolton to make inquiry in the colony, and he could not well return before the end of March.

And, if the accused man should ask for delay, it would hardly be possible to refuse the request as it might be necessary for his defence that he, too, should get evidence from the colony.

The next assizes would be in April, and it would hardly be possible that the trial should take place so soon.

And if not there would be a delay of three or four months more.