Page:The Art of Cross-Examination.djvu/189

 Grace that you were able to point out how the design might be successfully combated and finally defeated?'

"Pigott. 'Well, as I say, I had not the letters actually in my mind at that time. So far as I can gather, I do not recollect the letter to Archbishop Walsh at all. My memory is really a blank on the circumstance.'

"Russell. 'You told me a moment ago, after great deliberation and consideration, you had both the incriminatory letters and the letter to Archbishop Walsh in your mind.'

"Pigott. 'I said it was probable I did; but I say the thing has completely faded out of my mind.'

"Russell (resolutely). 'I must press you. Assuming the letters to be genuine, what were the means by which you were able to assure his Grace that you could point out how the design might be successfully combated and finally defeated?'

"Pigott(helplessly). 'I cannot conceive really.'

"Russell. 'Oh, try. You must really try.'

"Pigott (in manifest confusion and distress). 'I cannot.'

"Russell (looking fixedly at the witness). 'Try.'

"Pigott. 'I cannot.'

"Russell. 'Try.'

"Pigott. 'It is no use.'

"Russell (emphatically). 'May I take it, then, your answer to my Lords is that you cannot give any explanation?'

"Pigott. 'I really cannot absolutely.'