Page:The Art of Cross-Examination.djvu/185

 4th of March, three days before the first appearance of the first of the articles, "Parnellism and Crime.

"He then read:—

Private and confidential.'

My Lord:—The importance of the matter about which I write will doubtless excuse this intrusion on your Grace's attention. Briefly, I wish to say that I have been made aware of the details of certain proceedings that are in preparation with the object of destroying the influence of the Parnellite party in Parliament.'

"Having read this much Russell turned to Pigott and said:—

What were the certain proceedings that were in preparation?'

"Pigott. 'I do not recollect.'

"Russell (resolutely). 'Turn to my Lords and repeat the answer.'

"Pigott. 'I do not recollect.'

"Russell. 'You swear that—writing on the 4th of March, less than two years ago?'

"Pigott. 'Yes.'

"Russell. 'You do not know what that referred to?'

"Pigott. 'I do not really.'

"Russell. 'May I suggest to you?'

"Pigott. 'Yes, you may.'

"Russell. 'Did it refer to the incriminatory letters among other things?'

"Pigott. 'Oh, at that date? No, the letters had not