Mason arose from the chair, tossed his cigarette into the ash tray, and said, “Thank you very much for your consideration in giving me an opportunity to present my side of the case.”
“I’m sorry that you couldn’t make a more satisfactory explanation.”
“So am I,” Mason said.
Mrs. Tump said bitterly, “Well, I don’t know where that leaves us. You certainly can’t hold Byrl to any such bargain as that. She doesn’t want that stock.”
“I’m afraid that will have to be thrashed out in a civil court, Mrs. Tump,” Berger said.
Mrs. Tump glared at Mason. “To think that I accepted you as an honest lawyer,” she said scornfully.
Mason bowed. “My regrets, Mrs. Tump.”
Byrl Gailord said sobbingly, “It seems as though everyone were conspiring against me. Now my money is put into a worthless stock — as much of it as hasn’t been embezzled.”
“Are you certain the stock is worthless?” Mason asked.
“Of course it is,” she said.