"You can do as you choose, Mr. Ransome," the magistrate consented.
There was a moment's whispering. A name only partially heard was called outside, and a ripple of interest passed through the court when Captain Brinnen, still in his Belgian uniform, entered the witness-box. The solicitor for the prosecution looked a little staggered. The solicitor for the defence stood up.
"Will you tell the magistrate your name?" he asked.
The witness bowed.
"Leopold Francis Henri Brinnen de Floge."
"And your titles?"
"Comte de Malaison, Baron d'Asche, Chevalier di Scolo, Vicomte de Floge."
There was a distinct sensation in court, a sense of impending events which left every one pleasantly excited. Harvey Grimm leaned forward, gripping at the rail in front of him.
"You are, I believe," the solicitor continued, "a godson of the late King of the Belgians?"
"That is so," the witness admitted.