Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1893-06-29

ne began, with something in his tone,
that was as 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 I
shall be obliged to question you some
what exhaustively, with your kind per-
mission; and you will favor me very
greatly if You will reply to all my ques-
tons 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 an explanatory
way:
II may possibly-indeed, shall GER
tainly - ask you questions on some
points on which you may consider that
1 have already been fully info Jed;
but in such cases must ask you f6 re-
member that my questions, although
seemingly superfuous, have a distinct
purpose, and I shall, of course, expect
you to answer me precisely IS you
would if were In total ignorance of
all the facts. In short, we will assume
for present purposes that 1 am in total
ignorance Of all the facts. 1t is the
way we lawyers examine our own wit
nesses in court, and it will be a valu-
able preparation for you, by the way"
he added, significantly, If you should
be called upon to testify in this case. I
have some curiosity to see how you
would stand a rigid cross-examination,
Mrs Maynard 1 really think shall
have to test you a little"
Every well, Mr.. North, I am ready
for the experiment, if you have any
doubt of my competency as a Witness -
said Mrs. Maynard, evidently forcing
herself to the fippant speech.
''Oh, 1t Is not that I have any doubt,
Mrs. Maynard, but I 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 n failure Of the
laudable attempt by reason Of its am
biguity. 1--WE will assume, then, that
have general idea of the facts to
which you are prepared to testify. 1
now elicit them from you by my ques-
lions, which, while they may entirely
ignore many points that you consider
essential, will bring out what know to
be material and relevant
THERE 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 to ask. However, I'll
just make it little broader while am
about it."
be silently considering his last words,
he resumed aloud:
sYou will observe, Mrs. Maynard,
that am prepared to take notes of all
that you tell me. The fact IS" and his
countenance assumed perplsxed,
harassed expression for the moment,
81 have so much care and anxiety and
business responsibility on my mind
that find it difficult, yes, almost inn
possible, to keep the various threads
from becoming seriously entangled. 1
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, if you will please state the simple
facts as I refer you to them by my ques-
tons will carefully note them down and
shall then have n 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 a slight impa-
thence of these tedious preliminaries.
II am aware, Mr.. North, that. with so
many other and no doubt greater inter-
ests to absorb your attention, you can
not be expected to remember all the de-
tails of this case as well as do, par
ticularly if you have not reduced them
to memoranda; and even / forget now
whether 1 have informed You on GER
tain points Ask me any question that
you may consider necessary, and will
answer to the best of my ability"
sSThank you, Mrs Maynard" said
North, with an air of extreme satisfac-
ton; and the harassed expression dis
appeared from his face as he mentally
congratulated himself that he had laid
his foundation securely and very broad,
indeed. THUS much by way of pre-
Xmble; and now to business
He dexterously slipped Mrs. Jane
Dunkirk's letter from its envelope as he
spoke, and proceeded to unfold it.
ooh, to be sure, that letter. had for
gotten it! You have read it, presume,
Mr., North?" inquired Mrs. Maynard,
with a faint degree of interest in her
manner; then as North, without reply
ing, glanced up at her with an air of re-
proof, lifting his eyebrows inquiringly,
She at once checked herself.
81 perceive" she said, submissively,
ST am not to ask any questions at all;
that is your prerogative. Very Well; 1
will try to remember this hereafter"
sNo, no, Mrs. Maynard, You shall
share all nv prerogatives!" cried North,
in another ingenious outburst of gal
lantry; then a faint color crept sus-
piciously over the fairness of cheel.
and brow as he continued in more
business-like tone:
cat least, 1 will answer the question
that YOU have already asked. have
read this letter, and intend TO make it
the starting point for all my questions
this morning. wish, you see. to ana
I'VE it very much as it would be ana
lived in court if we should submit it for
any purpose whatever, and to ascertain
lust what construction it will best bear.
First of all, then, we will consider the