Lane fetched the stiffener in a soda-water bottle, and it cleared the legal atmosphere.
When the court resumed business, Frank took his stand in the witness box, and a voice said: "Now, Mr. Barlow, look at me."
Frank had been called many names in his time, but never "Mr. Barlow" before now. He looked and saw the figure of a little man with a large head, whose voice came through a full-grown nose like the blast of a trumpet.
"You say you gave Cecily some money, a horse, saddle, and bridle?"
"I did."
"And you bought a wedding ring?"
"I've got it in my pocket."
"I see. Your Honour will be glad to hear that the ring, at any rate, is not lost. It will be ready for another Cecily, won't it, Mr. Barlow?"
Barlow, looking down on the floor of the court and shaking his head slowly from side to side, said:
"No, it won't No fear. There 'ull be no more Cecilies for me."