A HIGH AUTHORITY.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIV, Issue 51, 23 April 1897, Page 29

A HIGH AUTHORITY.

•' I call upon you," said the counsellor, " to state distinctly upon what authority you are prepared to swear the mare's age 1 " " Upon what authority 1 " said the ostler, interrogatively. " You are to reply, and not to repeat the question put to you." " I don't consider a man's bound to answer a question afore he's had time to turn it over in his mind."

" Nothing can be more simple, sir, than the question put. 1 again repeat it. Upon what authority do you swear to the animal's age 1 " " The best authority," responded the witness gruffly. " Then why such evasion ? Why do you rot state it at once 1 " " Well, then, if you must have it " " Must ! I mubt and will have it 1 " vociferated the excited counsellor, interrupting the witness.

" Well, then, if you must and will have it," rejoined the other with imperturbable gravity, " well, then, I had it from the mare's own mouth.

A simultaneous burst of laughter rang through the court.