The Perils of Being a 'Truth-Teller'

I had a certain bet that I wished to prove that the truth had no money; and to that end I cross-questioned one of the opposite side, with: 'You asked my client for money, did you not?' 'Well, yes, sir.' 'And answered promptly that he had no hesitation. You asked him for that money because he had it?' 'I don't know that I can tell.' 'But surely you remember?' 'Yes, sir.' 'Then out with it. What hit him?' 'I'd rather not, sir.' 'Ho, ho! You are on the talk, are you? You won't tell?' 'I should rather not, sir.' 'But I should rather you would. Now, sir, if you do not answer me promptly and truthfully I will upon the court to compel you to do so.' 'Well, sir, if I must, it shall be: I asked him why he did not pay the money. He said he had no money, and he told me that if he didn't get it by sunset, he would have to... well, he would have to sell his children or, if not, his daughters might have to.' It was a Frenchman that, when told he was 'out' of money, replied to one who inquired if it was not rather hard: 'Not at all, for I have stuffed it with that it was an American, who when asked for money, told you your children or, if not, your daughters may have it.' It was a German orator, who warming with his subject, exclaimed: 'There is no man, woman or child in the house who has hit truth at the age of fifty years, but what has felt the truth throughout their lives for centuries.'