This story is told of a browbeating counsel,who habitually endeavored to terrorize his opponent's witnesses.
One witness rather tended to preface his replies with lengthy explanations.
"I want 'yes' or 'no', "thundered counsel. "There is no need for you to argue the point!"
"But there are some questions which cannot be answered by 'yes' or 'no', "mildly responded the witness.
"There are not!" snapped the lawyer.
"Oh," said the witness, "answer this then: Have you ceased beating your wife?"