Part 5 (2/2)

_Pro. T_. You were with a man whom I was told was a policeman in plain clothes, and with some others that I a.s.sume to have been friends of yours, as you winked at them and you and they were laughing together as you talked to the policeman.

_J. F_. Do you see the policeman in Court?

_Pro. T_. Yes; there he is.

_J. F_. Was he drunk or sober?

_Pro. T_. What, now?

_J. F_. No--then.

_Pro. T_. (_with decision_). Drunk.

_J. F_. Was I drunk?

_Pro. T_. What, now?

_J. F_. No--then; though you may tell me whether I'm drunk or not now, if you like, and define drunkenness scientifically.

_Pro. T_. Well, you were so, so.

_J. F_. Thank you, Professor.

_Mr. H_. One question, Professor Tyndall. Did you hear what the prisoner was saying to the policeman--who, by the way, was, I suspect, only shamming drunkenness?

_J. F_. (_Aside_: He could carry a good deal, then.)

_Pro. T_. Yes, I heard him. He was boasting of the extent and power of the Socialist organisation.

_Mr. H_. And did you believe it? did it surprise you?

_Pro. T_. It did not in the least surprise me: it seemed to me the natural consequences of Gladstone's Home Rule Bill. As to believing it, I knew he was jesting; but I thought that his jesting concealed very serious earnest. He seemed to me a determined, cunning, and most dangerous person.

_Mr. H_. I thank you, professor. [_Exit_ PRO. T.

_J. N_. Prisoner, do you want to re-examine the witnesses? What's that noise outside? They ought to be arrested.

[”_Ma.r.s.eillaise_” _again without, and tumult nearer_. FREEMAN _listens intently, without heeding the_ JUDGE.

_J. N_. Prisoner, why don't you answer? Your insolence won't serve you here, I can tell you.

_J. F_. I was listening, Judge; I thought I heard that echo again.

_J. N_. Echo again! What does the fellow mean? It's my belief you're drunk, sir: that you have stimulated your courage by liquor.

_A Voice_. Look out for _your_ courage, old c.o.c.kywax; you may have something to try it presently!

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