The Art of Cross-Examination / With the Cross-Examinations of Important Witnesses in Some Celebrated Cases

by Francis L. Wellman

Attorney-General. "Have you any doubt about it?"

Smith (after considerable hesitation). "I have some doubt."

Attorney-General. "Read the document, and tell me, on your oath, whether it is your signature."

Smith. "I have some doubt whether it is mine."

Attorney-General. "Read the document, sir. Was it prepared in your office?"

Smith. "It was not."

Attorney-General. "I will have an answer from you on your oath one way or another. Isn't that your handwriting?"

Smith. "I believe that it is not my handwriting. I think that it is a very clever imitation of it."

Attorney-General. "Will you swear that it is not?"

Smith. "I will. I think that it is a very good imitation of my handwriting."