SCENE--_A Court of Justice. Prisoner, a young man of eighteen, in the dock, weeping bitterly. His Uncle stands before him, and occasionally offers him smelling salts. General commiseration amongst the spectators, many of whom are ladies armed with opera-glasses. Police Constable under cross-examination._
_Counsel for the Defence._ And so, Constable, you had actually the heart to read the warrant to the Prisoner?
_Witness._ I did, Sir, in the execution of my duty.
_Coun. for the Def._ (_scornfully_). Duty! and to this he said nothing?
_Wit._ (_in a low tone_). Nothing, Sir--nothing!
_Coun. for the Def._ And I am not surprised! He might well say nothing to such an announcement! HE, a Gentleman by birth--education--everything--to be accused of forgery! It is _too_ cruel!
_Mr. Justice Punch_ (_courteously but firmly_). I do not wish to control the management of your case, Mr. MCSLANGER, but the time for you to address the Jury has not yet arrived.
_Coun. for Def._ (_submissive but sulky_). As your Lordship pleases.
[_He leaves the Prisoner, first handing him the smelling salts, and enters the Witness Box._
_Council for the Prosecution_ (_after the Witness has been sworn_). I think you are here on subpoena served by the Treasury.
_Witness_ (_with a glance of sadness at the Dock_). Had I not been summoned to be present by those in authority, not the entreaties of magicians would have brought me here!
_Coun. for the Pros._ I take it you are an unwilling Witness?
_Witness_ (_with difficulty suppressing acute emotion_). A most, a very most unwilling Witness!
_Coun. for the Def._ (_scornfully_). Unwilling!
_Coun. for the Pros._ (_in a tone of remonstrance_). I really must beg my learned friend to refrain from disturbing the proceedings. These constant interruptions are most annoying.
_Coun. for the Def._ (_with force and violence_). I cannot sufficiently express my indignation--
_Mr. Justice Punch_ (_sharply_). Then do not make the attempt.
_Coun. for the Def._ (_surlily_). As your Lordship pleases. [_Subsides._
_Coun. for the Pros._ But, in spite of being an unwilling Witness, you undoubtedly saw the Prisoner forge your name?
_Witness_ (_with his handkerchief to his eyes_). Alas! I did!
[_A pause, during which everyone regains equanimity._