"What stamp?" asked Dr. Jethero.
Mr. Oates's laboriously achieved restraint was wearing thin again.
"Don't you understand? I'm Titus Oates. I was whipped from Aldgate to Newgate, and from Newgate to Tyburn. Didn't you hear what I said?"
"Yes, yes, yes," murmured the doctor peaceably. "You're Titus Oates. You stood in the pillory and they pelted you with rotten eggs."
"Well," said Mr. Oates, "what about the stamp?"
Dr. Jethero cleared his throat.
"Just a minute, Mr. Oates. Suppose we go into that presently. Would you mind taking off your coat and shoes?"
Mr. Oates gaped at him.
"This is going too far," he protested. "I'm Titus Oates. Everybody know Titus Oates. You remember — the Popish Plot—"
"Mr. Oates," said the doctor sternly, "will you take off your coat and shoes?"