Even the waiter who was on the ground had unwittingly conspired
with their delicacy to put them in a most indelicate situation. Skip
went on the stand, reveling in his first experience of fame, basking
in the spot-light like a cheap actor, and acting very badly, yet well
enough for the groundlings he amused.
Jim and Charity underwent a martyrdom of ridicule during his
testimony. A man and woman riding backward on a mule through a
jeering mob might seem pathetic enough if one had the heart to
deny himself the laughter, but Jim and Charity made their grotesque
pilgrimage without exciting sympathy.
Beattie had tried to get Mrs. Noxon on the stand to confirm the proof
that Charity had spent the night away, but the old lady showed her
contempt of the court and of the submarines by sailing for Europe
to escape the ordeal. The chauffeur, the valet, and the Viewcrest
servants were enough, however, to corroborate Skip Magruder's story
beyond any assailing, and handwriting experts had no difficulty in
convincing the jury that Jim's signature on the hotel register was
in his own handwriting. He had made no effort to disguise it or even
to change his name till the last of it was well begun.
Mr. and Mrs. Thropp made splendid witnesses for their child and
the old mother's tears melted a jury that had never seen her weep
for meaner reasons.
When Charity reached the stand the case against her was so complete
that all her bravery was gone.
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