REV. MR. BATHOLOMMEY. Doctor, I've been thinking things over. I ran in for a moment to suggest that we suspend judgment until the information William has volunteered can be verified. I can scarcely believe that—
DR. MACPHERSON. Ump! [Rises and goes to the telephone on the desk.]
Four-red.
REV. MR. BATHOLOMMEY. I regret that Frederik left the house without offering some explanation.
DR. MACPHERSON. [At the 'phone.] Marget, I'm at Peter's. I mean—I'm at the Grimms'. Send me my bag. I'll stay the night with William. Bye. [Seats himself at the table.
REV. MR. BATHOLOMMEY. Tell Frederik that, if he cares to consult me, I shall be at home in my study. Good-night, Doctor. Good-night, Rose.
DR. MACPHERSON. Hold on, Mr. Batholommey! [The REV. MR. BATHOLOMMEY turns.] I'm writing an account of all that's happened here to-night—
REV. MR. BATHOLOMMEY. [Dubiously.] Indeed!
DR. MACPHERSON. I shall verify every word of the evidence by William's mother for whom I am searching. [The REV. MR. BATHOLOMMEY smiles faintly behind his hand.] Then I shall send in my report, and not until then. What I wish to ask is this: would you have any objection to the name of Mrs. Batholommey being used as a witness?
REV. MR. BATHOLOMMEY. [Looks perplexed.] Well,—er—a—
MRS. BATHOLOMMEY. Oh, no, you don't! You may flout our beliefs; but wouldn't you like to bolster up your report with "the wife of a clergyman who was present!" It sounds so respectable and sane, doesn't it? No, sir! You cannot prop up your wild-eyed—