"Russell (sharply). 'Do not trouble to read it.'
"Pigott. 'Yes, I think it is.'
"Russell (with a frown). 'Have you any doubt of it?'
"Pigott. 'No.'
"Russell (addressing the judges). 'My Lords, it is from Anderton's Hotel, and it is addressed by the witness to Archbishop Walsh. The date, my Lords, is the 4th of March, three days before the first appearance of the first of the articles, "Parnellism and Crime."'
"He then read:—
"'Private and confidential.'
"'My Lord:—The importance of the matter about which I write will doubtless excuse this intrusion on your Grace's attention. Briefly, I wish to say that I have been made aware of the details of certain proceedings that are in preparation with the object of destroying the influence of the Parnellite party in Parliament.'
"Having read this much Russell turned to Pigott and said:—
"'What were the certain proceedings that were in preparation?'