“A blind man and an inexperienced young girl,” mused Judge Wilson, and before the contempt expressed, Thompson and Bragden winced, while Hankinshaw glared.
“Do you give me authority to deal with these gentlemen, Mr. Goby?” asked the judge.
“Absolutely,” returned the blind man. “Whatever you say or do will be wholly satisfactory to me.”
“That being the case, gentlemen,” said the judge, turning to the three partners, “I think we will not detain you any longer. You are doubtless busy men and have many things to attend to.”
It was a clear case of dismissal. Thompson fumed white with anger, as he and Bragden rose from their chairs.
“You may regret this,” said Thompson threateningly, moving toward the door.
“Possibly,” replied Judge Wilson indifferently, turning toward his papers.
“You bet you will,” bullied Hankinshaw, who remained obstinately planted in his chair.
Tom sprang to his feet.
“Miss Goby,” he said, “would you mind stepping from the room for a moment?”