The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1893-07-19
CHAPTER xII.-coSrISUED.

II intend, first ofall, Mrs. Maynard"
he began, with something In his tone
that was rs decisive and aggressive as
the clash of cold steel, Notwithstanding
his studied suavity, thoroughly to sift
our case In its present state, examine
1t at every point, and thus arrive at
some satisfactory conclusion as TO how
we should stand In the event Of any
, very searching investigation on the
part Of our opponents. To this end l
shall be obliged to question you sonse-
what exhnustively, with your kind per-
mission; and you will favor me very
greatly If you will reply to all my ques-
tions as fully and directly as possible"
Mrs. Maynard, having given a Ian
guild assent TO these words, North took
up his notebook daintily with the tips
Of his fingers, adding In IN explanatory
way:
~ may possibly-indeed, shall GER
tainly = ask you questions on some
points on which you may consider that
/ have already been fully informed;
but in such cases I must ask you to re-
member that my questions, although
seemingly superfuous, have distinct
purpose, and | shall, Of course, expect
you to answer me precisely as you
would II ! were in total ignorance OF
all the facts. In short, we will assume
for present purposes that am in total
ignorance Of all the facts. II Is the
wsV we lawyers examine our own wit
nesses in court, and 1t will be valu-
able preparation for you, by the way"
he added, significantly, 'ff you should
be called upon to testify In this case. l
have some curiosity to see how you
would stand rigid ross-examination,
Mrs. Maynard. really think shall
have to test you httlel"
"Very well, Mr.. North, am ready
for the experiment, II you have any
doubt Of my competency as a Witness"
said Mrs. Maynard, evidently forcing
herself to the flippant speech.
"0h, 1t Is not that have any doubt,
Mrs. Maynard, but wish TO have my
impressions on the point confirmed, " In
terposed North, hastily, intending In a
rather vague way TO be highly compli-
mentary, but making failure OF the
laudable attempt by reason Of its am
biguity. "We will assume, then, that
have general idea of the facts 10
which you are prepared TO testify.
now elicit them from you by my ques-
tions, which, while they may entirely
ignore many points that you consider
essential, will bring out what know TO
be material and relevant"
"ThereI" he added TO himself as he
mentally reviewed these last words,
81 believe have now laid the founda-
ton for any questions whatever that
may be compelled 10 ask. However, I'll
Just make II little broader while am
about It,"
Then, while Mrs. Maynard seemed 10
be silently considering his last words,
he resumed aloud:
"You will observe, Mrs. Maynard,
that am prepared 10 take notes Of all
that you tell me. The fact is," and his
countenance assumed q perplexed,
harassed expression for the moment,
'I have so much care and anxiety and
business responsibility on my mind
that find II difficult, yes, almost Inn
possible, 10 keep the various threads
from becoming seriously entangled. I
have no written record of even the most
important facts In the case, and In con-
sequence Of being so pressed by other
cares ! find myself becoming slightly
confused In regard TO this affair, un-
able clearly TO draw the line between
what actually know Of the facts and
what / have myself merely conjectured
Now, II you will please state the simple
factsas I refer you TO them by my ques-
tions will carefully note them down and
shall then have much clearer idea Of
our true position
His persistent holding TO the point
seemed TO rouse Mrs. Maynard from her
state of passive acquiescence; her an
swer came now In clear decisive tones In
which was suggested slight impa-
tience Of these tedious preliminaries.
(, 81 am aware, Mr.. North, that, with so
many other and no doubt greater inter
lests TO absorb your attention, you can
mot be expected TO remember all the do