Vagret. But—suppose the man is not guilty?

Attorney-General. The jury will decide. We can do no more, all of us, than bow to its verdict.

Vagret. Let me tell you, sir, how my convictions have been shaken.

Attorney-General. I do not wish to know. All that is a matter between yourself and your conscience. You have the right to explain your scruples to the jury. You know the proverb: "The pen is a slave, but speech is free."

Vagret. I shall follow your advice.

Attorney-General. I do not give you any advice.

Vagret. I shall explain my doubts to the jury.

Attorney-General. It will mean acquittal.

Vagret. What would you have?

Attorney-General. Do as you wish; but I should like to tell you one thing. When a man plans a startling trick of this kind and has the courage to accomplish it entirely of his own accord, he must have the courage to accept the sole responsibility of the blunders he may commit. You are too clever; you want to discover some means by which you need not be the only one to suffer from the consequences of your vacillations.