And there is confusion in the court room.
Mr. Rand bounds angrily to his feet, then reseats himself suddenly, and without opening his lips.
As they bear Frank Lamotte from the room, O'Meara's voice rises and rings clear above the buzz and bustle:
"That witness must not be permitted to leave the court."
Then he stands gazing about him like a small, rampant lion; his eyes flashing, his nostrils quivering, his whole manner betokening that he is warming to his work.
Presently the room is quiet again, and O'Meara addresses the court:
"Your honor, and gentlemen; I have been successful beyond my expectations. You see what a guilty conscience can do. I wished to convince this court that my client has enemies in W——; powerful, unsuspected, enemies. I wished also to demonstrate to Mr. Rand, how easy it is to obtain circumstantial evidence. The witness may recover at his leisure. I have nothing more to say to him."
While he is speaking, Mr. Lamotte and Doctor Benoit, who had hastened out to attend upon Frank, re-enter, and resume their places, the former looking harassed and uneasy, the latter, bland as ever, and nodding an assurance that the patient is recovering safely.
"My next witness," says O'Meara, "is private detective Jerry Belknap; but, before this gentleman is sworn, I desire the clerk to read aloud, very loud, the testimony lately given by Mr. Jasper Lamotte. I want Mr. Lamotte's testimony to be fresh in the minds of the jury when they listen to Mr. Belknap."
Strive as he will, Jasper Lamotte can not wear a look of entire unconcern, although his self-control is marvellous.