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

by Francis L. Wellman

Smith. "I don't know. Very likely I did."

Attorney-General. "Did William Palmer give you that document?"

Smith. "I have no doubt he did."

Attorney-General. "If that be the document he gave you, and those are the signatures of Walter Palmer and of Pratt, is not the other signature yours?"

Smith. "I'll tell you, Mr. Attorney—"

Attorney-General. "Don't 'Mr. Attorney' me, sir! Answer my question. Isn't that your handwriting?"

Smith. "I believe it not to be."

Attorney-General. "Will you swear that it isn't?"

Smith. "I believe that it is not."