"Pigott (looking confused). 'Yes, I did. I find now I am mistaken—that I must have heard something about them.'
"Russell (severely). 'Then try not to make the same mistake again, Mr. Pigott. "Now," you go on (continuing to read from Pigott's letter to the archbishop), "I cannot enter more fully into details than to state that the proceedings referred to consist in the publication of certain statements purporting to prove the complicity of Mr. Parnell himself, and some of his supporters, with murders and outrages in Ireland, to be followed, in all probability, by the institution of criminal proceedings against these parties by the Government."'
"Having finished the reading, Russell laid down the letter and said (turning toward the witness), 'Who told you that?'
"Pigott. 'I have no idea.'
"Russell (striking the paper energetically with his fingers). 'But that refers, among other things, to the incriminatory letters.'
"Pigott. 'I do not recollect that it did.'
"Russell (with energy). 'Do you swear that it did not?'
"Pigott. 'I will not swear that it did not.'
"Russell. 'Do you think it did?'
"Pigott. 'No, I do not think it did.'