"Prescott," began the old lawyer, sitting down beside the young player, and speaking in a low tone, "I've just been called into this matter, as I'm the Dodge family lawyer. Had my advice been asked I would have demanded much more investigation. From what knowledge I have of you, I don't regard you as one who is likely to commit an unprovoked assault. Have you any objection to stating your side of the case bearing in mind, of course, the fact that I'm the Dodge lawyer."
"Not the least in the world," Dick replied promptly.
It was just at this moment that Herr Schimmelpodt and the elder
Prescott came hastening into the room.
Bert Dodge and Bayliss looked over uneasily, several times, to where Lawyer Ripley and the young prisoner sat. Dick's father stood by in silence. He already knew his son's version of the affair of the day before. Herr Schimmelpodt didn't say anything, but sat down, breathing heavily.
Then the clerk of the court and two court officers came in. Justice
Vesey entered soon after and took his seat on the bench.
"The case of Dodge versus Prescott—-I mean, the people against Prescott, your honor, is the only thing on the docket this afternoon," explained the clerk.
"Is the case ready" inquired the justice mildly.
"I will ask just a moment's delay, your, Honor," announced Lawyer
Ripley, rising. "I wish a moment's conference with my principals."
The court nodding, Mr. Ripley crossed the room, engaging in earnest whispered conversation with the Dodges, father and son.
While this was going on a telegraph messenger boy entered. Espying
Dick, he went over and handed him a yellow envelope. Dick tore
it open. It was a telegram sent by Dave Darrin, on the way to
Tottenville, and read: