Page:The Art of Cross-Examination.djvu/193

 I will not further trouble your Grace save to again beg that you will not allow my name to transpire, seeing that to do so would interfere injuriously with my prospects, without any compensating advantage to any one. I make the request all the more confidently because I have had no part in what is being done to the prejudice of the Parnellite party, though I was enabled to become acquainted with all the details."'

"Pigott (with a look of confusion and alarm). 'Yes.'

"Russell. 'What do you say to that?'

"Pigott. 'That it appears to me clearly that I had not the letters in my mind.'

"Russell. 'Then if it appears to you clearly that you had not the letters in your mind, what had you in your mind?'

"Pigott. 'It must have been something far more serious.'

"Russell. 'What was it?'

"Pigott (helplessly, great beads of perspiration standing out on his forehead and trickling down his face). 'I cannot tell you. I have no idea.'

"Russell. 'It must have been something far more serious than the letters?'

"Pigott (vacantly). 'Far more serious.'

"Russell (briskly). 'Can you give my Lords any clew of the most indirect kind to what it was?'

"Pigott (in despair). 'I cannot.'

"Russell. 'Or from whom you heard it?'