“To cool your fevered brow?”
Silence from Jim; shrieks of laughter from the silly spectators. The jury was shattered with amusement; the judge wiped a grin from his lips. Beattie resumed:
“Where did you sleep?”
“In the office chair.”
“You paid for the parlor! You registered! And you slept in the chair!” [Gales of laughter. His Honor threatens to clear the court.] “Who saw you asleep in the chair?”
“I don't know—I was asleep.”
“Are you sure that you did not just dream about the chair?”
“I am sure.”
“That's all.”
Jim stepped down, feeling idiotic.