looked at Cohn, for the effect of his words was extraordinary. Cohn began to fidget and to gasp for air. "The old libel!" he screamed. "He didn't do it on my account! He was unhappily married! People broke me once before with that story and now they are beginning again! Counsel for the defence also protested. Sprezius snapped at Cohn. The Public Prosecutor was not an ordinary individual, and the witness would be fined fifty marks for contempt of court because of the expression "libel." That settled Cohn. Herr Buck's brother was called. He was asked point blank by Jadassohn: "Your business is notoriously failing; what is your means of livelihood?" At this there was such a murmur of protest that Sprezius quickly intervened. "Does counsel for the prosecution really think this question pertinent?" But Jadassohn was worthy of the occasion. "The prosecution is interested in establishing the fact that the witness is financially dependent upon his relations, and particularly upon his brother-in-law, the accused. The reliability of his evidence can be measured by that." Tall and elegant, Herr Buck stood there with bowed head. "That is all," said Jadassohn and Sprezius dismissed this witness. Under the glances of the crowd his five daughters huddled together on their seat like a herd of lambs in a storm. The poorer section of the audience laughed in a hostile way. Sprezius amiably called for silence and ordered Heuteufel to come into the witness-box.
When Heuteufel raised his hand to swear Jadassohn thrust forward his own with a dramatic effort.
"First I must ask the witness one question. Does he admit that he approved of the expressions which constitute the crime of lèse-majesté, and even improved upon them?" Heuteufel replied: "I admit nothing." Whereupon, Jadassohn confronted him with his statement at the preliminary hearing, and said in a loud voice: "I appeal for a ruling that this witness be not allowed to take the oath, because he is suspected of complicity in the crime." Still more sharply: "The opinions of the wit-
