How the Blow was Struck.

Otago Witness, Issue 2369, 27 July 1899, Page 62

How the Blow was Struck.

A boy was summoned to testify in a case of assault in which one man hit another with a shovel. A host of witnesses had been called, who "beat about the bush" in the most tedious and provoking manner. This annoyed the lawyer for the prosecution, who broke out as follows: — " Here, boy, we've been going around and around this case for hours, and yet have no evidence to convict the prisoner. Now, sir," he savagely continued, "do you hear me? I want to come to the direct point. Did you see the blow struck?" "Yes, sir." "Ah, ha," chuckled the lawyer, rubbing his hands, " we have something to work upon. Here, my good lad, take this cane" (handing him his walking-stick). "If you saw the blow struck, you must knos[ how. it waa sriven." "~ " *, 3Te* & few*-

"Now, thenj no words about it. I tell you," thundered the interrogator, " I'm the complainant arid you are the prisoner. Now, just raise the stick and -show the court." The bewildered lad did " raise the stick," and the next moment it came down upon the bald head of the astonished lawyer, and sent him staggering to his seat. " That 8 the way it was done, sir," said the boy, amid the shrieks of laughter of the whole courtroom. The discomfited counsel, with a ghastly attempt to smile, said that he had done with the witness — the evidence was direct.