The truth and nothing but the truth

At the height of a political corruption trial, the prosecuting

attorney attacked a witness.

"Isn't it true," he bellowed, "that you accepted five thousand

dollars to compromise this case?"

The witness stared out the window, as though he hadn't heard the

question.

"Isn't it true that you accepted five thousand dollars to

compromise his case?" the lawyer repeated. 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."