HE SPOILED HIS CASE.
An American lawyer who was cross-questioning some witnesses, and who bad done everything in his power to confuse them, brusquely asked them, when other methods failed, to ‘Speak up louder.* The last man, a burly countryman, decided tba‘> he would take the lawyer at bis word ; so, in response to the first question, what his name was, he ret ired in a voice that reverberated through the building, * John Brown, sir-r-r-r 1’
* I guess you’ve been drinking this morning,’ said the irate lawyer, sternly. ‘Yes, slr-r-r-r !' replied the witness, as though calling to a neighbour two miles distant. * I thought so,* said the lawyer, triumphantly. * What did yon take!’ * Coffee, sir-r-r-r !’ shouted the witness.
A burst of laughter from the courtroom disconcerted the lawyer for a time, but, when the merriment had subsided, he asked, nothing daunted, * I guess yon bad a little some thing else in your coffee, didn’t you ‘ Yes, sir-r-r-r I’ 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 bad in your coffee.’ The witness filled bis lungs for a tremendous effort and thundered, ‘ A apo o-on, sir-r-r-r T The courtroom, bench, and bar were convulsed with laughter, and the badgering lawyer lost his case.
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Bibliographic details
New Zealand Graphic, Volume XV, Issue VI, 10 August 1895, Page 183
Word Count
233HE SPOILED HIS CASE. New Zealand Graphic, Volume XV, Issue VI, 10 August 1895, Page 183
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Acknowledgements
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