MAGLOIRE.--The question is too serious to be left entirely in the
hands of a single witness.
THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY.--We only desire the truth. It is easy to make
an experiment.
WITNESS.--Oh, certainly!
P.--Let it be done.
Witness puts a cartridge into each barrel, and goes to the window to
explode them. The sudden explosion is followed by the screams of several
ladies.
WITNESS.--(Returning, and showing that the barrels are no more foul than
they were before.) Well, you see I was right.
P.--(To the accused.) You see this circumstance on which you relied so
securely, so far from helping you, only proves that your explanation of
the blackened state of your hands was a falsehood.
Upon the president's order, witness is taken out, and the examination of
the accused is continued.
P.--What were your relations with Count Claudieuse?
A.--We had no intercourse with each other.
P.--But it was known all over the country that you hated him?
A.--That is a mistake. I declare, upon my honor, that I always looked
upon him as the best and most honorable of men.
P.--There, at least, you agree with all who knew him. Still you are at
law with him?
A.--I have inherited that suit from my uncle, together with his fortune.
I carried it on, but very quietly.
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