“You may cross-examine,” Kittering said.
“May I ask,” Mason inquired, “the object of this examination? Is it the contention of the prosecution that this vague testimony goes to show that the body is that of Bill Hogarty?”
“That is our contention,” Kittering said. “Your Honor, we expect to connect this up. We expect to introduce evidence tending to show that this defendant forged the name of Bill Hogarty to various hotel registers, that when he left the Klondike he went for a time under the name of Bill Hogarty; that he took with him all of Bill Hogarty’s share in the mining claim, that this decedent is none other than Bill Hogarty, that Hogarty attempted to secure some financial adjustment from the defendant, and the defendant, rather than part with any of his fraudulent gains, planned to murder Hogarty. In that way, we expect to show motivation for the crime.”
“You have all of the proof necessary to show that?” Mason inquired blandly.
“We have all we need,” Kittering snapped. “Some of it we will prove by inference, but you don’t need to appear so surprised, Mr. Mason. Your ad in the personal columns of the Seattle paper shows that you...”
“That will do,” Judge Knox interrupted. “Counsel will refrain from personalities. You will proceed with cross-examination of the witness, Mr. Mason.”
Mason said, “Very well, Your Honor. Now, Mr. Leeds, I am going to ask you the same question that I asked Jason Carrel. Was there any conversation which took place in your presence or in the presence of Jason Carrel to the effect that it would be to your financial advantage, either directly or indirectly, to have Alden Leeds declared incompetent or committed to an institution?”
Leeds took a deep breath. “I’d rather not answer that question.”
“Go ahead and answer it,” Mason said.
“It’s a proper question,” Judge Knox ruled.