The witness seemed to find the reiteration trying. He looked around him, as if seeking shelter.
"Unfortunately, I did not."
"Unfortunately? I see. Unfortunately, what did you do?"
"At that time I was very pressed for money. I yielded to the pressure of my necessities."
"By which you mean?"
"That I accepted a small loan."
"You accepted a small loan. Did you not levy blackmail? Did you not extort blood-money, sir? Did you not demand a sum of money in exchange for your silence?"
Mr. Bates raised his voice very considerably. The witness quivered.
"I believe I did suggest that a small loan should be made to me."
"And you got it?"