"
The next witness is Mr. Brien Calligan, a criminal in the prison,
who for his good behaviour has been promoted to the honourable post
of under-warden. Mr. Brien Calligan testifies that the prisoner,
while in prison, confined in a cell under his supervision, admitted
that he intended to kill Mr. Monsel when he inflicted the wound. He
must qualify this statement, however, by saying that the prisoner
added he was altogether beside himself with rage.
Grabguy, who has been intently watching the proceedings, suddenly
springs to his feet. He would like to know if that admission was not
extorted from the culprit by cruelty!
Mr. Brien Calligan pauses a moment, looks innocently at the court,
as one of the jurors suggests that quite enough evidence has already
been put in to warrant a conviction. It's a pity to hang such
valuable property; but, being bent on disturbing the peace of the
community, what else can be done?
His honour listens with great concern to the juror's remarks, but
suggests that Mr. Grabguy had better not interrupt the court with
questions. That he has an indirect interest in the issue of the
suit, not a doubt exists, but if he be not satisfied with the
witness's statement, he has his remedy in the court of appeals,
where, upon the ground of testimony having been elicited by coercion
or cruelty, a new trial will probably be granted.
Mr. Grabguy would merely suggest to his honour that although
sentencing a negro to be hung may be a matter of small consequence
to him, yet his position in society gives him a right to be heard
with proper respect.
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