# No Further Evidence explained — The Borough Treasurer

> Chapter companion for The Borough Treasurer by J. S. Fletcher.

## What happens

Cotherstone, imprisoned in Norcaster Gaol, resolves to fight the charges against him rather than flee like Mallalieu. He hires a solicitor and barrister, and later testifies at the inquest for Stoner's murder, swearing he witnessed Mallalieu strike Stoner. The inquest returns a verdict of wilful murder against Mallalieu. At Cotherstone's subsequent hearing, the prosecution withdraws the charge, and he is discharged.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Innocence

Cotherstone seeks to clear his name publicly, contrasting with Mallalieu's flight.

### Deception and Betrayal

Cotherstone's testimony betrays Mallalieu, shifting blame entirely onto his partner.

### Fate and Consequence

Mallalieu's escape seals his perceived guilt, while Cotherstone's calculated defense leads to his discharge.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Cotherstone

Imprisoned in Norcaster Gaol, he resolves to fight the charges and testifies against Mallalieu at the inquest.

### Lettie Cotherstone

Remains calm upon learning of her father's situation and agrees to postpone her wedding.

### Mr. Brereton

Accompanies Bent to inform Lettie of the news and observes the legal proceedings with interest.

### Mr. Mallalieu

Has escaped custody; Cotherstone views his flight as a foolish act that implies guilt.

### Christopher Pett

Attends the inquest, professionally curious about the developments.

### Mr. Bent

Engaged to Lettie, he helps inform her of the situation and visits Cotherstone in gaol.

## Key lines

> Nobody but an absolute fool, a consummate idiot, thought Cotherstone, would have done a thing like that.

Cotherstone believed only a complete fool would have escaped like Mallalieu did.

_Cotherstone's contempt for Mallalieu's flight._

> I shall be out of this, and all'll be clear, a week today!

Cotherstone predicted he would be free and exonerated within a week.

_Cotherstone's confident boast after hiring lawyers._

> There will be no further evidence against the prisoner now in the dock, your worships. The prosecution decides to withdraw the charge.

The prosecution announced they would present no more evidence and dropped the charge against Cotherstone.

_Climactic moment leading to Cotherstone's discharge._

## Links

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