If the person so cited refuses to appear and submit to an examination, or to answer such interrogatories as may be put to him touching the matters or the complaint, the court may, by warrant for that purpose, commit him to the county jail, there to remain in close custody until he submits to the order of the court or is discharged according to law. If, upon such examination, it appears that he has concealed, embezzled, smuggled, conveyed away, or disposed of any monies, goods or chattels of the decedent, or that he has in his possession or knowledge any deeds, conveyances, bonds, contracts or other writings, tending to disclose the right, title, interest or claim of the decedent to any real or personal estate, claim or demand, or any lost will of the decedent, the district court may make an order requiring such person to disclose his knowledge thereof to the executor or administrator, and may commit him to the county jail, there to remain until the order is complied with, or he is dischared according to law; and all such interrogatories and answers must be in writing, signed by the party examined, and filed in the district court. The order for such disclosure made upon such examination is prima facie evidence of the right of such administrator to such property in any action brought for the recovery thereof, and any judgment recovered therein by the administrator must be for double the value of the property as assessed by the court or jury in such action; or for return of the property and damages in addition thereto equal to the value of such property. In addition to the examination of the party, witnesses may be produced and examined on either side.

R.L.1910, § 6326.