Page:The Art of Cross-Examination.djvu/187

 proceedings referred to consist in the publication of certain statements purporting to prove the complicity of Mr. Parnell himself, and some of his supporters, with murders and outrages in Ireland, to be followed, in all probability, by the institution of criminal proceedings against these parties by the Government.

"Having finished the reading, Russell laid down the letter and said (turning toward the witness), 'Who told you that?'

"Pigott. 'I have no idea.'

"Russell (striking the paper energetically with his fingers). 'But that refers, among other things, to the incriminatory letters.'

"Pigott. 'I do not recollect that it did.'

"Russell (with energy). 'Do you swear that it did not?'

"Pigott. 'I will not swear that it did not.'

"Russell. 'Do you think it did?'

"Pigott. 'No, I do not think it did.'

"Russell. 'Do you think that these letters, if genuine, would prove or would not prove Parnell's complicity in crime?'

"Pigott. 'I thought they would be very likely to prove it.'

"Russell. 'Now, reminding you of that opinion, I ask you whether you did not intend to refer—not solely, I suggest, but among other things—to the letters as being the matter which would prove complicity or purport to prove complicity?'