Eda, Elizabeth, Louise

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 874, 18 January 1930, Page 18

Eda, Elizabeth, Louise

German Prisoner Baffles Court Over Three Fiancees

BERLIN is chuckling over the case of a man charged with burglary, whose trial began rein German law a man's fiancee cannot be made to give evidence against him. The alleged burglar, however, did not intend that any of his three fiancees, Eda, Eliza beth and Louise, should testify. His evasions of searching questions from an experienced counsel deserve quotation in full. Elizabeth having refused to give evidence because she was engaged to the accused, counsel turned to him and the following dialogue ensued: Counsel: This is the third woman claiming to be your fiancee. Which of the three did you really intend to marry?—l had not decided. None of them, perhaps?—Oh, certainly. I had honourable intentions in all cases, now with one and now with another. It depended on my mood. Which of them do you now state to be your fiancee?—l should have to discuss that question with them before answering. Three Rings Did you give every one a ring?—All three; that was only right. Did any of them know about the others?—l like to spare a girl’s feelings as far as possible. Why didn’t you publish the banns 7 —Oh, something always cropped up. What special instance?—The police. And when you had served your sentence did you always n, .te it up again with ail three?—WeL, I found it difficult to break away—and besides, they are all good girls. What do you think would have happened if one had got to know

about the others?—l don’t like to think. Eda was a gentle sort of creature who might have thrown herself into the canal, while Elizabeth would have “gone for” me. And what about Louise?—Oh, in that case I really cannot imagine what would have happened. One day she “goes for me” with the coal shovel and the next minute she kisses my hand. Well, she, at any rate, does not come seriously into question as your fiancee?—Oh, I wouldn’t say that. It is just from a nature of that sort that one never knows what to expect. That attracts me. Well, then, you decide for her? — Oh, but I don’t want Eda to drown herself. Eda, then?—Possibly—if Elizabetn does not manage to get round me. At this point the judge broke in angrily: “Come now! Only one of them can be your fiancee.” “Well,” answered the amorous man imperturbably, “perhaps you will explain that to the girls.” The case continued, but the hope of getting anything out of Eda, Elizabeth and Louise was abandoned.