"Counsel: 'Yes, my Lord. It is Gerald Paget.'
At this mention of his name the prisoner became violently agitated. His countenance was convulsed, and he stretched forth his arms, which trembled from excess of emotion.
"The Judge: 'The prisoner appears to be ill. Is there a doctor in court?'
"The prisoner (speaking for the first time): 'I am not ill. I want to hear what he has to say.'
"Counsel: 'For nineteen years he has been supposed to be dead, and, in pursuance of a diabolical plot, has been confined in a private madhouse as another person. It is this cruel imprisonment which has reduced him to the condition in which we now see him.'
"The Judge: 'Your statement is an extraordinary one.'
"Counsel: 'I shall be able, my Lord, to establish its truth, and the truth of other facts as extraordinary. The strange story which has been revealed to me is too lengthy and complicated to narrate at this hour, but if your Lordship will adjourn until to-morrow I undertake to prove the unfortunate prisoner's innocence, and also the guilt of the man who should now be standing in his place.'
"The Judge: 'Is the man known? Can he be found?'
"Counsel: 'He is known, and is now in prison under another charge which is directly connected with the murder for which the prisoner has been tried.'
"The Judge: 'If your statements are true the case is unprecedented.'