Feversham's fine face darkened with anger. He was about to reply, when the judge spoke with severity.
"You must not insult your own witnesses. If I hear anything of the kind again I shall be compelled to fine you for contempt of court. Have you any more questions to ask?"
"Yes," was the surly reply. "I wish to ask Mr. Feversham why he is positive that this will is not what it purports to be?"
"My attorney, who has just arrived, will answer for me," said the witness.
Both Peter Mannion and his attorney turned to see advancing toward the bar the tall, courtly figure of Colonel Seaman, one of the leaders of the Washington bar.
"It is our intention," said the colonel to the court, "to contest the probate of this alleged olographic will. I have in my hands copies of the same document, which I respectfully ask the court to examine before I proceed to explain where and how they were found, and what they mean."
Thus saying, he stepped within the bar, approached the bench, and handed to the judge the four copies found on the body of Dimitri Goloff, the Russian accomplice of Arthur Mannion.
The judge examined them, first with perplexity, then with understanding.
"As supplementing them," continued Colonel Seaman, "I will offer for your inspection a copy of the indictment under which Arthur Mannion was convicted in a California court of forgery." This document was passed to the judge.
Peter Mannion shifted uneasily in his seat. His brow began to ooze cold perspiration.