Part 30 (1/2)
Then Sharpman continued, more vehemently: ”The cross-examination, as conducted by the eminent counsel, has, thus far, been simply an outrage on professional courtesy. I ask now that the gentleman be confined to questions which are germane to the issue and decently put.”
”I have but a few more questions to ask,” said Goodlaw.
Turning to the witness again, he continued: ”If you succeed in establis.h.i.+ng this boy's ident.i.ty, you will have a bill to present for care and moneys expended and services performed on his account, will you not?”
”I expect so; yes, sir.”
”As the service continued through a period of years, the bill will amount now to quite a large sum, I presume?”
”Yes, I nave done a good deal for the boy.”
”You expect to retain the usual commission for your services as guardian, do you not?”
”I do.”
”And to control the moneys and properties that may come into your hands?”
”Well--yes.”
”About how much money, all together, do you expect to make out of this estate?”
”I do not look on it in that light, sir; I am taking these proceedings simply to compel you and your client to give that boy his rights.”
This impudent a.s.sertion angered Goodlaw, who well knew the object of the plot, and he rose from his chair, saying deliberately:--
”Do you mean to swear that this is not a deep-laid scheme on the part of you and your attorney to wrest from this estate enough to make a fortune for you both? Do you mean to say mat you care as much for this boy's rights as you do for the dust in your path?”
Craft's face paled, and Sharpman started to his feet, red with pa.s.sion.
”This is the last straw!” he exclaimed, hoa.r.s.ely; ”now I intend”--
But the judge, fearing an uncontrollable outbreak of temper, interrupted him, saying:--
”Your witness need not answer the question in that form, Mr. Sharpman.
Mr. Goodlaw, do you desire to cross-examine the witness further?”
Goodlaw had resumed his seat and was turning over his papers.
”I do not care to take up the time of the court any longer,” he said, ”with this witness.”
”Then, Mr. Sharpman, you may proceed with further evidence.”
But Sharpman was still smarting from the blow inflicted by his opponent. ”I desire, first,” he said, ”that the court shall take measures to protect me and my client from the unfounded and insulting charges of counsel for the defence.”
”We will see,” said the judge, ”that no harm comes to you or to your cause from irrelevant matter interjected by counsel. But let us get on with the case. We are taking too much time.”
Sharpman turned again to his papers and called the name of ”Anthony Henderson.”
An old man arose in the audience, and made his way feebly to the witness-stand, which had just been vacated by Craft.