"I did."
"Then you were guilty of perjury at that time, or you are guilty of perjury now?"
"I was guilty of perjury then."
The judge interposed and asked if the witness was awakened to the enormity of the crime to which he confessed. Hugh Ritson bent his head.
"Are you conscious that you are rendering yourself liable to penal servitude?"
"I have signed a declaration of my guilt."
The answers were given in perfect calmness, but a vein of pathos ran through every word.
"Do you know that a few years back many a poor wretch whose crime was trifling compared with yours has gone from the dock to the gallows?"
"My guilt is unmitigated guilt. I make a voluntary statement. I am not here to appeal for mercy."
There was the hush of awe in the court.