(a) Whenever it appears probable from the affidavit of an executor or administrator, or of an heir or other person interested in the estate, that any person has concealed or in any way secreted or disposed of any property of the estate, or any writing relating or pertaining thereto, or that such person has knowledge of any such property or writing being so concealed, secreted or disposed of, and refuses to disclose the same to the executor or administrator, the court upon the application of such executor or administrator, may cite such person to appear and answer under oath concerning the matter charged.
(b) Such examination may be oral or upon written interrogatories filed by the applicant, but in either case the answers of the person cited shall be reduced to writing and subscribed by him and filed.
(c) If the person so cited refuses to appear or answer such interrogatories as may be allowed to be put to him touching the matter charged, he may be punished for a contempt or may at once be committed, by the warrant of the judge, to jail, there to remain in close custody until he submits to the order of the court.