How a Badgering Lawyer Spoilt his Case.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7540, 22 January 1896, Page 4

How a Badgering Lawyer Spoilt his Case.

An American lawyer who wa3 crossquestioning some witnesses, and who had done everything in his power to confuse them, brusquely asked them, when other methods failed, to "Speak up louder." The last man called, a burly countryman, decided that he would take the lawyer at his word ; so, in response to the first question, what his name was, he replied in a voice that reverberated through the building : "John Brown, sir-r-r-r !" "I guess you've beon drinking this morning," said the irate lawyer, sternly. "Yes, sir-r-r-r I" replied the witness, as though calling to a neighbor two miles distant. "I thought so," said the lawyer triumphantly. " What did you take ?" " Coffee, sir-r-r !" shouted the witness. A burst of laughter from the court room disconcerted the lawyer for a time, but, when the merriment had subsided, he asked, nothing daunted : " I gues9 you had a little something else in your coffee, didn't you 1" tk Yes, sir-r-r 1" still came the reply. " Ah, now we're coming to it !" said the lawyer, rubbing his hands and winking to the jury. "Now, my good man, don't be afraid, but speak right out and tell the jury just what you had in your coffee. " The witness filled his lungs for a tremendous effort, and thundered : " A spo-o-o-on, sir 1" The court room, Bench, and bar were convulsed with laughter, and the badgering lawyer lost his case.