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.
[_Resumes his seat._
_Usher_ (_calling_). Admiral CUTTERMAN!
_Admiral_ (_in a low tone_). Here!
[_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._
_Coun. for Def._ (_on renewal of proceedings_). And so you are the
Uncle of the Prisoner?
_Witness_ (_sadly_). Yes, I am.
_Coun. for Def._ Still you are here, and are pushing that poor lad to
the prison-door! (_Prisoner snivels._) Yes, you are dealing him (one
of your own flesh and blood) a never-to-be-recalled injury!
_Witness_ (_plucking up spirit_). Only my duty, Sir. I obey only my
duty!
_Coun. for Def._ Your duty! Why, man, how can it be your duty?
_Mr. Justice Punch_ (_seriously_). Again I must interpose. (_To_
Counsel.) Mr. MCSLANGER, I must once more remind you that your
business at present is to ask questions, not to make speeches.
_Coun. for Def._ But, my Lord, the task is a difficult one.
_Mr. Justice Punch._ If you find it beyond your powers, no doubt some
of your colleagues will come willingly to your assistance.
_Coun. for Def._ No, my Lord, I do not mean what your Lordship means.
I am quite capable of performing the duties it has been my pleasure
and pride to accept.
_Mr. Justice Punch_ (_wearily_). Pray let us get on?
_Coun. for Def._ Do you not think it a grossly cruel and revolting
thing that a man should give evidence against his near relative?
_Witness_ (_greatly agitated_). My Lord, I appeal to you, is it fair
that I should be treated in this fashion?
_Mr. Justice Punch_ (_emphatically_). No, it is not! You are here,
Sir, in performance of a solemn duty--to assist the ends of justice in
the punishment, and consequently prevention, of crime. It is not right
that in the witness-box you should be badgered and insulted as if you
were worthy of the dock! One can feel some sympathy with the
relatives of the prisoner, because he appears to have had respectable
surroundings. But if he is convicted of forgery, it will be his own
fault! I shall accept the verdict as a proof that education and birth
are not safeguards to prevent crime. And as for you, Sir (_turning
angrily to_ Coun. for Def.), let me tell you that you degrade your
office when you make the wig and the gown the shield of the brute and
the bully. Let us have no more of it!
_Coun. for Def._ (_subdued but depressed_). As your Lordship pleases.
_Mr. Justice Punch._ It does so please me, and I think that it will
equally please all my learned brothers who sit in Royal Courts
to follow my example! It is time that the Witness, as well as the
accused, received proper protection. I hope my words will be taken to
heart in another place!
[_The Scene closes in on his Lordship's suggestion._
* * * * *
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