SCENE--_The Interior of Court during a sensational trial. Bench, Bar, and Jury in a state of wild excitement as to what will happen next._
_Judge_ (_mysteriously handing note to Bar engaged in the case_). I have received this letter, which is deeply interesting. It will form appropriately what I may call our Third Volume. I hand it to Counsel, but they must keep it entirely to themselves.
_First Leader_ (_after perusal of document_). Did you ever?
_Judge_ (_greatly gratified_). I thought I would surprise you! Yes, it came this afternoon, and I found it too startling to keep all to myself, so I have revealed the secret, on the condition you tell no one else.
_First Lead._ You may rely on the discretion of my learned friend, my Lord.
_Second Lead._ My Lord, on the discretion of my learned friend you may rely.
_Judge_. Thank you (_dipping his pen in the ink_), and now we will go on with the case.
[_A Witness is called--he hides his face under a cloak._
_First Leader_ (_in examination-in-chief_). I think you wish to preserve your incognito?
_Wit._ (_in sepulchral tones_). I do. But if his Lordship desires it, I will write my name on a piece of paper and pass it up.
_Judge_. Well, certainly, I think I ought to know everything, and-- (_Receives piece of paper disclosing the information, and starts back in his chair astonished_). Dear me! Good gracious! Dear me!
_First Lead._ I think I should mention that I have not the faintest idea who this witness is, and only call him, acting under instructions. (_To Witness._) Do you know anything about the matter in dispute?
_Witness_ (_with a sepulchral laugh_). Ha! ha! ha! Nothing. Your question is indeed a good joke. Nothing, I repeat, absolutely nothing!
_First Lead._ (_annoyed_). Then you can sit down.
_Second Lead._ (_sharply_). Pardon me--not quite so fast! You say you know nothing about the matter in dispute, and yet you come here!
_Witness_ (_in a deeper voice than ever_). Exactly.
_Second Lead._ But why, my dear Sir--Why? What is the point of it? Who may you be?
_Witness_. It is not _may_ be--but who I am!
_Second Lead._ Well, tell us who you are. (_Persuasively._) Come, who are you?
_Witness_ (_throwing off his disguise_). Who am I? Why, HAWKSHAW the Detective!