TRAPPED.

Waikato Argus, Volume VI, Issue 382, 14 January 1899, Page 1 (Supplement)

TRAPPED.

The smart lawyer is always intent upon getting at weakness in the character of the principal and witnesses on the other aide. A well-known barrister recently told the story of an exploit of his own, when, as counsel for the defendant, he was examining the plaintiff in a certain case.

His client got into a quarrel with one "Pat" Murphy over a business transaction. Tin quarrel had gone so far that Murphy had made application to a magistrate to have the other bound over to keep the peace, alleging that he had threatened to do him boldly injury. When the ease was called, Murphy testified to the circumstances in which the defendant had threatened him. The eross-eaxmination began. " Now Mr Murphy," the lawyer said, " you declare that you are under the fear of bodily harm ?'

" I am, sorr." " You are even afraid for your life.'" " I am, sorr." " Thea you freely admit that Mr Brown, my client, can thrash you ?" The question stirred up Murphy's Irish blood instautly. "Jim Brown thrash me? Nivver !" he shouted, " I kin tackle him, and anny halt-dozen like him !"

" That will do, Mr Murphy," said the lawyer. The Court was already in a roar, and the lawyer felt there was no need for further testimony or argument. The case was dismissed, for it was evident that Pat could not be under serious bodily feat of a man whom, in his opinions he had ouly to use oue-seveuth 0 f his strength to thrash.