Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 41, Number 84, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 July 1909 — It Seemed So. [ARTICLE]

It Seemed So.

A long, lank, tobacco-chewing Yankee farmer was on the stand. He had just testified, between pulls at his chlntassel, that he had witnessed the testator sign the will. “He was out in the yard,’’ he testified, “and it was a bright, pretty day. All the family was there and they all seen him sign it. Yep, he was in his right mind. Sure." The lawyer, a very snippy country practitioner, at once attacked the old man’s testimony. “What do you mean by making such statements to the honorable court?’’ he demanded. “I think it is essential that you explain yourself before you leave the stand. Every other witness In this case has testified that the will was signed at night, and that the night was dark and rainy into the bargain. Further, they have declared that the testator was half unconscious in his bed when his hand was guided in making this alleged signature, and that the bed was at the time in an interior room of the house, divided by two other rooms in any direction from the yard in which you say he sat when he signed. This discrepancy in your testimony can not pass unnoticed. I must insist on your explaining your statement.” “Waal,” said the old farmer, taking a fresh hold on his beard and squirting a mouthful at the court's cuspidor, "I don’t keer so d—n much for this here case nohow.”