"I have no more questions at present to ask the witness," said the lawyer to the judge.
"I have one I would like to ask the witness," said Mr. Farrington, and then addressing Fred, he said:
"John Rexford testified that you threatened to make false statements about his business if he kept the money due you. Is this true?"
"I object to this question," said attorney Ham, who had learned the merchant's great desire to avoid further testimony upon this point. "It has no bearing upon this case."
"It does have a bearing upon the case, and I have a special reason for wanting an answer to my question," replied Mr. Farrington.
"The witness may answer," said the judge.
"Your honor," put in Ham, "I protest against bringing in the private business of my client, which has no relation to this case."
"This case is entirely one of circumstantial evidence," replied the judge, "and it is important that we get at the facts regarding the boy's character. The witness will answer the question."
"Did you make no threat whatever?"