Smollett's lawyer told how the accident had happened, and then drew a touching picture of how the plaintiff's wife, a sickly looking woman who sat at his side in court, had slaved to support the family, Smollett being unable to work, and not having done a day's work since the time he was injured. Lew cast down his eyes when this statement was made, and began to feel a little more hopeful.
Then Smollett was put on the stand and told his story, moaned about the constant pain that he had suffered since he was hurt, while the jury began to look sympathetic. In response to the questioning of his lawyer he declared that he had not been able to do more than to sweep a room since the day of the accident. Then Lew arose to cross-examine him.
"Mr. Smollett, what was your business before you were injured?"
"I was an iron worker."
"That requires great strength, does it not?"
"Yes, it does."
"All parts of the work?"
"Yes, all parts of the work."
"And you could do any part of the work?"
"Yes, I was a pretty powerful man."