Page:The Art of Cross-Examination.djvu/159

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SOME FAMOUS CROSS-EXAMINERS

charges made by your church and by the committee of your church, made no impression on you?"

Mr. Beecher (shortly). "Not the slightest."

At this juncture Mr. Thomas G. Sherman, Beecher's personal counsel, jumped to his client's aid, and remarked that it was a singular coincidence that when counsel had not the record before him, he never quoted correctly.

Mr. Fullerton (addressing the court impressively). "When Mr. Sherman is not impertinent, he is nothing in this case."

Judge Neilson (to the rescue). "Probably counsel thought—"

Mr. Fullerton (interrupting). "What Mr. Sherman thinks, your Honor, cannot possibly be of sufficient importance to take up the time either of the court or opposing counsel."

"Are you in the habit of having your sermons published?" continued Mr. Fullerton. Mr. Beecher acknowledged that he was, and also that he had preached a sermon on "The Nobility of Confession."

Mr. Sherman (sarcastically). "I hope Mr. Fullerton is not going to preach us a sermon."

Mr. Fullerton. "I would do so if I thought I could convert brother Sherman."

Mr. Beecher (quietly). "I will be happy to give you the use of my pulpit."

Mr. Fullerton (laughing). "Brother Sherman is the only audience I shall want."

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