Everybody pretended not to have seen the slap, and Taffy went on, as calmly as he could, to call the first witness. This witness was a new member of the Senior Class, who had spent the first three years of his prep. at San Dinero. Taffy explained that, as the new Senior knew nothing at all about the case, he would certainly be unprejudiced. Thus it went:
Taffy: Did or did not the prisoners eat chocolate while ’planing to Mount Diablo with the reception-room curtains?
Gimlet: I object, Y’r Honor. Leading question.
Judge Pink Eye: ’Jection ov’ruled.
Witness: Yes, said the tomcat.
Taffy: There, do you see? Now, witness, did or did not this Griffin wear spats when on Broadway?
Pink Eye (sleepily): ’Jection ov’ruled.
Taffy: Shut up, you goat. Gwan, witness.
Witness: There should have been a fire-escape.
Taffy: That’s all right; beat it, witness. If Gimlet tries to cross-examine you, take the third turning to the right, beyond the ribbon counter. Your Dishonor, the State’s case rests.