Thomas was on his feet with an objection, but the judge had no opportunity to overrule it, for Bill had something to say and he was going to say it. He lifted his voice above that of Thomas, calling out and waving his arms violently in an excitement he had never known before.
"And all your stocks in the name of rummies?"
His eyes twinkled as Marvin came up to him and whispered. Again waving his arms, Bill shouted:
"Dummies, I mean—dummies!"
Thomas had been tried to the point of despair. There was a lump in his throat as he beseeched the judge:
"I protest against this!"
The judge interrupted him. "I am beginning to believe in this plot story."
"Then let him go on," was Bill's agreeable reply.
Hammond jumped up out of his chair and descended from the witness-stand.
"Your Honor," he said, in an angry tone, "I absolutely refuse to submit to this any longer—to stand here and be made to look like a criminal!"