"Never more so."
"But there is an immense crowd outside already."
"Then let the scene of my trial be in a less crowded place--the Place Vendôme, for instance."
"Name the conditions."
"In an hour from this I engage to fill the Place Vendôme with people. Whoever fails forfeits a dinner to the Club."
The eyes of Dick and the Doctor sparkled.
"Done!" said the Senator.
"All that you have to do," said Buttons, "is to go to the top of the Colonne Vendôme and wave your hat three times when you want me to begin."
"I'll do that. But it's wrong," said the Senator. "It's taking money from you. You must lose."
"Oh, don't be alarmed," said Buttons, cheerfully.