Section 129

When a witness may be cross-examined he may, in addition to the questions hereinbefore referred to, be asked any questions which tend 1595

to test his. accuracy, veracity or credibility;

to discover who he is and what is his position in life; or

to shake his credit by injuring his character, although the answer to such questions might tend directly or indirectly to incriminate him, or might expose or tend directly or indirectly to expose him to a penalty or forfeiture.