The writer recalls a somewhat similar instance, but one even
better exhibiting the cleverness of an old woman, which
occurred in the year 1901. A man named Orlando J. Hackett, of
prepossessing appearance and manners, was on trial, charged
with converting to his own use money which had been intrusted
to him for investment in realty. The complainant was a shrewd
old lady, who together with her daughter, had had a long
series of transactions with Hackett which would have entirely
confused the issue could the defence have brought them before
the jury. The whole contention of the prosecution was that
Hackett had received the money for one purpose and used it for
another. During preparation for the trial the writer had had
both ladies in his office and remembers making the remark:

"Now, Mrs. ------, don't forget that the charge here is that you
gave Mr. Hackett the money to put into real estate. Nothing
else is comparatively of much importance."

"Be sure and remember that, mother," the daughter had
admonished her.

In the course of a month the case came on for trial
before Recorder Goff, in Part II of the General Sessions.
Mrs. ------ gave her testimony with great positiveness.
Mr. Lewis Stuyvesant Chanler, now Lieutenant-Governor of
the State, arose to cross-examine her.

"Madam," he began courteously, "you say you gave the defendant
money?"