The Judge.--“I did not interrupt M. Leblois. I asked him for
indications on a point which it is necessary to throw light upon. I
will continue to do so, rest assured.”
M. Labori.--“I do not pretend to discuss with you the duties of the
judge of the assize court. You know them better than I do. I add that
I am ready to render homage to the great impartiality with which
you endeavor to direct the debate. But, on the other hand, this is
a matter in which it is impossible for us to part with the smallest
particle of our rights. They deprive us here of all the faculties that
they can deprive us of. We are here face to face with testimony which
is entitled to be heard; we ask that it shall be heard freely and
independently. Now, Article 315 of the code of criminal examination
authorizes witnesses to give their testimony without interruption,
without prejudice to the right of the court to ask them, after their
deposition, whatsoever questions it sees fit.”
The Judge.--“That is what I have just done.”
M. Labori.--“The deposition of M. Leblois is not finished. He was in
the course of it when you interrupted him.”
The Judge.--“Pardon, M. Leblois had finished. I asked him a question to
throw light upon his deposition.”
M. Leblois.--“I will answer you in the clearest fashion. In the first
place, I declare that I know that Colonel Picquart was asked but four
questions. As to the source of this knowledge, I do not think that I
am bound to give it, and for a good reason; I am Colonel Picquart’s
lawyer.”
The Judge.--“You should have said so at the beginning.”