"I keep my appointments, sir!" snapped the professor peevishly.
"Oh, yes—you do," sneered the lawyer. "Where's Zacharie?"
"Waiting for you upstairs," replied the superintendent, pointing to the staircase.
"Parlor B—this way, gentlemen!" called out Collins.
Mr. Cooley approached the superintendent.
"Get McMutrie on the 'phone," he said impatiently. "Tell him that we're all waiting. And send Miss Marsh up to us as soon as he arrives."
Professor Bodley left the office escorted by the old attendant, and Cooley was about to follow when Mr. Ricaby, who had been watching his opportunity, quickly stepped forward.
"Mr. Cooley," he said firmly, "I wish to be present at the examination of Miss Marsh."
The big lawyer halted and stared at his opponent contemptuously. Without a word he looked at him from head to foot. Finally he sneered:
"That's not necessary. It's only an informal examination—a private interview for the benefit of our witnesses. We can't have anyone present but those experts interested on behalf of James Marsh—her uncle and special administrator of the estate."