If a copy of such interrogatories be served on the tenant, he shall answer the same before the third day, exclusive of the day of service; and upon his failure to answer the matters inquired of by such interrogatories, they shall be taken as confessed by him; but on cause shown, the judge may give further time for answering; not exceeding eight days in the whole, from and exclusive of the day of service. P.L.L., 1860, §893 1888, §868 1915, §855 1927, §855 1930, §855 1938, §1136 1949, §739 1969, §9-25 1898, ch. 123, §855 1979, ch. 125