He has less to say than any of the others.
He had heard of his son-in-law's encounter with Doctor Heath, of course; knew that a feud existed between them, could not so much as guess at the nature of it. The prosecuting attorney is about to dismiss him sans ceremonie, when Mr. O'Meara, springs into sudden activity and announces his desire to examine the witness.
His opponent stares astonished, a murmur runs through the room; the Court bids him proceed.
"Mr. Lamotte," begins O'Meara, rising to his feet with provoking slowness, and then propounding his questions with a rapidity which leaves the witness no time for thought. "Mr. Lamotte, what can you tell us of this missing witness, Brooks?"
Mr. Lamotte stares in mute astonishment, then instinctively scenting danger ahead, he makes an effort to rally his forces that have been scattered by the lawyer's unexpected bomb.
"What do I know of the man Brooks?" he repeats slowly. "I don't comprehend you, sir."
"I asked a plain question," retorts the lawyer, crisply.
"I believe the man has been in my employ," ventures the witness, as if making an effort to recall some very insignificant personage.
"When?"
"That I do not remember, sir."