in your mind the conceivable hypothesis that the plants might not be
intended for you at all."

"That is precisely it, sir," said Theron. There were people passing, and
he was forced to keep his voice down. It would have been a relief, he
felt, to shout. "That is it--they were not intended for me."

"Well, then, what are you talking about?" The lawyer's speech had become
abrupt almost to incivility.

"I think my remarks have been perfectly clear," said the minister, with
dignity. It was a new experience to be addressed in that fashion.
It occurred to him to add, "Please remember that I am not in the
witness-box, to be bullied or insulted by a professional."

Gorringe studied Theron's face attentively with a cold, searching
scrutiny. "You may thank your stars you're not!" he said, with
significance.

What on earth could he mean? The words and the menacing tone greatly
impressed Theron. Indeed, upon reflection, he found that they frightened
him. The disposition to adopt a high tone with the lawyer was melting
away.

"I do not see," he began, and then deliberately allowed his voice to
take on an injured and plaintive inflection--"I do not see why you
should adopt this tone toward me--Brother Gorringe."

The lawyer scowled, and bit sharply into the cigar, but said nothing.