The Late Charles P. Thompson, of the Massachusetts Supreme Court, at
one time in his practise had a client named Michael Dougherty, who had
been arrested for the illegal sale of liquor, but the police had no
evidence except one pint of whisky, which they found in his alleged
kitchen barroom. The Boston _Herald_, in relating this story, says:
In the superior court this evidence was produced and a somewhat
vivid claim made of _prima facie_ evidence of guilt by the
prosecuting attorney. During all this time Mr. Thompson was
silent. When his turn came for the defense he arose and said:
“Michael Dougherty, take the stand.”
And Mike, with big red nose, unshaven face, bleared eyes, and a
general appearance of dilapidation and dejection, took the stand.
“Michael Dougherty, look upon the jury. Gentlemen of the jury,
look on Michael Dougherty,” said Mr. Thompson. All complied.
Mr. Thompson himself silently and steadily gazing at Mike for a
moment, slowly and with solemnity turned to the jury and said:
“Gentlemen of the jury, do you mean to say to this court and to
me that you honestly and truly believe that Michael Dougherty,
if he had a pint of whisky, would sell it?”