"What have you to say for yourself, young man?" demanded Thorndyke.
Paul blinked at the chairman. He was completely stunned, absolutely beaten, shocked to the core. He shook his head. "I swear—" he began.
He was interrupted by the shout of "Fraud!" from the rear of the auditorium. Instantly the place was in a violent uproar, those who had applauded the loudest were now shouting for Paul's head.
"Fraud!"
"Throw him out!"
"Liar!"
The stairways at either end of the stage filled with hoarsely shouting men who came up slowly but with determined step, gaining confidence as they advanced.
"Throw him out!" screamed a voice.
"Out!"
"Away!"