THE ART OF CROSS-EXAMINATION
—I don't want to weary you—and say if this last one is also in the lady's handwriting."
Witness (appearing to examine it closely, leaving the witness-chair and going to the window to complete his inspection). "Yes, sir, you understand I am not swearing to a fact, only an opinion."
District Attorney (good-naturedly). "Of course I understand; but is it your honest opinion as an expert, that these three letters are all in the same handwriting?"
Witness. "I say yes, it is my honest opinion."
District Attorney. "Now sir, won't you please turn down the edge where I folded over the signature to the first letter I handed you, and read aloud to the jury the signature?"
Witness (unfolding the letter and reading triumphantly). "Lila Noeme."
District Attorney. "Please unfold the second letter and read the signature."
Witness (reading). "William Henriques."
District Attorney. "Now the third, please."
Witness (hesitating and reading with much embarrassment). "Frank Ellison!"[1]
The alleged compromising letters were never read to the jury.
- ↑ As a matter of fact, father and daughter wrote very much alike, and with surprising similarity to Mr. Ellison. It was this circumstance that led to the use of the three letters in the cross-examination.
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