A FAIR RETORT.
Reading edition
It is quite as hard as ever to get ahead of Pat. This was proved the other day during a trial in an English court-room, an Irish witness being examined as to his knowledge of a shooting affair.
"Did you see the shot fired?" the magistrate asked, when Pat had been sworn.
"No, sorr. I only heard it," was the evasive reply.
"That evidence is not satisfactory," replied the magistrate, sternly, "Stand down!"
The witness proceeded to leave the box, and directly his back was turned he laughed derisively. The magistrate, indignant at the contempt of court, called him back, and asked him how he dared to laugh in court.
"Did ye see me laugh, your Honor?" queried the offender.
"No, sir; but I heard you," was the irate reply.
"That evidence is not satisfactory," said Pat, quietly, but with a twinkle in his eye.
And this time everybody laughed, even the magistrate.