Mr. Justice Wargrave is the first to tell his story. He is calm, collected, and precise as he recounts the trial of Edward Seton. He is quite clear that he did nothing wrong, but Dr. Armstrong recalls the case and is suspicious, believing the judge had a private motive for his harsh summing-up.

Vera Claythorne's demeanor is very different from the judge's. She is distraught and tearful as she remembers the death of her pupil, Cyril Hamilton. General Macarthur is moved by her distress and tries to comfort her.

General Macarthur then speaks himself. He tries to stay calm but is overwrought and angry at having to justify himself. Philip Lombard is amused by the general's discomposure and volunteers to speak next. He is brazen and apparently confident as he admits that he left his men to starve. His action and his coolness in talking about it draw a stern reaction from General Macarthur and a horrified one from Vera.

Anthony Marston seems to have been puzzled by the accusation against him. He then remembers, without appearing to feel much emotion, that he ran over two children while speeding in his car. Mr. Justice Wargrave is disapproving in his reaction, while Dr. Armstrong condemns Marston even more strongly. Marston, however, is unrepentant and says that it was merely an accident.