SCENE—The Interior of Court during a sensational trial. Bench, Bar, and Jury in a state of wild excitement as to what will happen next.
Judge (mysteriously handing note to Bar engaged in the case). I have received this letter, which is deeply interesting. It will form appropriately what I may call our Third Volume. I hand it to Counsel, but they must keep it entirely to themselves.
First Leader (after perusal of document). Did you ever?
Second Leader (ditto). No I never!
Judge (greatly gratified). I thought I would surprise you! Yes, it came this afternoon, and I found it too startling to keep all to myself, so I have revealed the secret, on the condition you tell no one else.
First Lead. You may rely on the discretion of my learned friend, my Lord.
Second Lead. My Lord, on the discretion of my learned friend you may rely.
Judge. Thank you (dipping his pen in the ink), and now we will go on with the case.
[A Witness is called—he hides his face under a cloak.
First Leader (in examination-in-chief). I think you wish to preserve your incognito?