THE ART OF CROSS-EXAMINATION
Mr. Choate. "Answer my question. Did you observe it?"
Mr. Sage. "I did."
Mr. Choate. "Put down your fist and answer my question."
Mr. Sage. "I answered it."
Mr. Choate. "I think we will get along as soon as you answer my questions instead of making speeches. Did you observe that your answer states that before Laidlaw was in the office, and while you were conversing with the stranger, the stranger had already handed you a note demanding money?"
Mr. Sage. "He had done no such thing."
Mr. Choate. "Do you observe that your answer states that?"
Mr. Sage. "Your reading states it so, but the fact is as I have stated it."
Mr. Choate. "Was not your answer true as you swore to it?"
Mr. Sage. "No, sir; not on your interpretation."
Mr. Choate. "How came you to swear to it, if it is not true?"
Mr. Sage. "I suppose that was prepared afterward by counsel, as you prepare papers."
Mr. Choate. "I never prepare papers. What are you talking about?"
Mr. Sage. "You have the reputation of preparing papers."
274