." "Stop!" I exclaimed.

This checked him for a second.

"Before you tell me what you think of me," I went on quickly, "will you kindly tell me what it is I've said or done ?" During the pause that ensued he surveyed me with indignation, while I made supernatural efforts of memory, in which I was hindered by the oriental voice within the court-room expostulating with impassioned volubility against a charge of falsehood.

Then we spoke almost together.

"I will soon show you I am not," he said, in a tone suggestive of a crisis.