Witness.—“In an hour my father went to the station and I was liberated.”
This witness now being released, the previous witness, Atkins, was recalled and a very sensational incident arose. During the luncheon interval, Mr. Robert Humphreys, Wilde’s solicitor, had been busy. Not satisfied with Atkins’s replies to the questions put to him in cross-examination, he had searched the records at Scotland Yard and Rochester Road and made some startling discoveries. A folded document was handed up to the Judge. Mr. Justice Charles, who read it at once, assumed a severe expression. The document was understood to be a copy of a record from Rochester Road. Atkins, looking very sheepish and uncomfortable, re-entered the witness-box and the Court prepared itself for some startling disclosures.
Sir Edward Clarke.—“Now, I warn you to attend and to be very careful. I am going to ask you a question; think before you reply.”
The Judge.—“Just be careful now, Atkins.”
Sir Edward.—“On June 10th, 1891, you were living at Tatchbrook Street?”
Witness.—“Yes.”
Sir Edward.—“In Pimlico?”
Witness.—“Yes.”
Sir Edward.—“James Burton was living there with you?”
Witness.—“He was.”