At the height of a highly publicized political corruption trial, the lawyer for the prosecution lashed out at a witness. “Isn’t it true,” he bellowed, “that you have accepted five thousand pounds to compromise this case?”
The witness stared out of the window, as though he hadn’t heard the question.
The prosecutor again blared, “Isn’t it true that you accepted five thousand pounds to compromise this case?”
The witness still did not respond.
Finally, the judge leaned over and said, “Sir, please answer the question.”
“Oh,” the startled witness said, “I thought he was talking to you.”