"Wasn't it proved in the probate proceedings that you were only to carry out certain minor legacies?"
"It is not becoming in me to anticipate the decision of the honorable court in that matter."
"As executor, then, did you try to uphold the will of your friend?"
"In my opinion as a lawyer, it cannot be upheld."
"In my opinion as a lawyer, it can. I ask you a question. Did you make any effort to uphold the will of which you claim to have been nominated executor?"
"I satisfied myself that the task was fruitless."
"You represented a client desirous of breaking the will at the probate proceedings, did you not?"
"The will was already broken, canceled, destroyed."
"Do you or do you not perceive a gross indelicacy in your desperate attempt to break the will of which you say you were appointed executor, in order to retrieve the fallen fortunes of the disinherited heir?"
"I am not here to discuss my conduct with you, sir," answered Hodgkins testily, for the cross-examiner flusters quickly when he becomes the cross-examined.