THE ART OF CROSS-EXAMINATION
"Russell (again with the Ulster ring). 'What?'
"Pigott (defiantly). 'I was not aware of it until the publication actually commenced.'
"Russell (pausing, and looking straight at the witness). 'Do you swear that?'
"Pigott (aggressively). 'I do.'
"Russell (making a gesture with both hands, and looking toward the bench). 'Very good, there is no mistake about that.'
"Then there was a pause; Russell placed his hands beneath the shelf in front of him, and drew from it some papers—Pigott, the attorney general, the judges, every one in court looking intently at him the while. There was not a breath, not a movement. I think it was the most dramatic scene in the whole cross-examination, abounding as it did in dramatic scenes. Then, handing Pigott a letter, Russell said calmly:—
"'Is that your letter? Do not trouble to read it; tell me if it is your letter.'
"Pigott took the letter, and held it close to his eyes as if reading it.
"Russell (sharply). 'Do not trouble to read it.'
"Pigott 'Yes, I think it is.'
"Russell (with a frown). 'Have you any doubt of it?'
"Pigott 'No.'
"Russell (addressing the judges). 'My Lords, it is from Anderton's Hotel, and it is addressed by the witness to Archbishop Walsh. The date, my Lords, is the
182
