Page:The Jail, Experiences in 1916.pdf/184

 And in any case, even if he has not actually been punished hitherto, it would not be surprising; I have already expressed my view of the value and importance of those civil courts. I call upon the chairman to ask the accused whether he knows why he is standing his trial."

Chairman: "Do you know why, hm,—hm,—you are standing your trial."

Accused: "I have been sitting still for nine months and did not know why, now I am standing my trial and do not know why either."

Supreme provost-marshal: "I call upon the chairman to call the accused emphatically to order. He is to answer this court with respect and without joking."

Chairman: "Yes. That's right. I call you to order,—eh,—eh—"

Supreme provost-marshal: "May I ask the chairman to permit me,—with a view to hastening today's proceedings,—to ask the accused a few of the most important questions direct."

Chairman: "Of course,—eh,—eh—“

Supreme provost-marshal: "Prisoner in the dock, you will now answer me. Since we are here dealing with important State and military secrets, the publication of which might considerably endanger the interests of the Empire and the position of our glorious armies, you must answer as concisely as possible, and not enter into explanations. We have the most detailed knowledge of your guilt, so no kind of quibbles and denials,—I specially remind you of this,—no kind of denials,—will avail you at all. Prisoner in the dock, do you know the names Rozsa Sándor and Babinský?

Accused: "I've never heard of them."

Supreme provost-marshal: "Good, you deny it. But that's your business. Could you tell us about your relations with Nuchem Schapira.