DURING a recent trial at Auburn, the following occurred to vary the
monotony of the proceedings:
Among the witnesses was one, as verdant a specimen of humanity as one
would wish to meet with. After a severe cross-examination, the counsel
for the Government paused, and then putting on a look of severity, and
an ominous shake of the head, exclaimed:
"Mr. Witness, has not an effort been made to induce you to tell a
different story?"
"A different story from what I have told, sir?"
"That is what I mean."
"Yes sir; several persons have tried to get me to tell a different story
from what I have told, but they couldn't."
"Now, sir, upon your oath, I wish to know who those persons are."
"Waal, I guess you've tried 'bout as hard as any of them."
The witness was dismissed, while the judge, jury, and spectators,
indulged in a hearty laugh.