"How long have you known Rhyming Joe?" "Ever since I can remember." "Was he at Craft's house frequently?" "Yes, sir; most all the time." An idea of the true situation of affairs was dawning upon Goodlaw's mind. That Ralph had overheard Rhyming Joe say to Sharpman that the boy was Simon Craft's grandson was evident. But how to get that fact before the jury in the face of the rules of evidence--that was the question. It seemed to him that there should be some way to do it, and he kept on with the examination in order to gain time for thought and to lead up to the point. "Did Mr. Sharpman know that you were in his office when this conversation took place?" "No, sir; I guess not." "Did Rhyming Joe know you were there?" "No, sir; I don't believe he did." "From the conversation overheard by you, have you reason to believe that Rhyming Joe is acquainted with the facts relating to your parentage?" "Yes, sir; he must know." "And, from hearing that conversation, did you become convinced that you are Simon Craft's grandson and not Robert Burnham's son?" "Yes, sir, I did. Rhymin' Joe said so, an' he knows." "Did you see Rhyming Joe last night?" "No, sir. Only as he passed by me in the dark." "Have you seen him to-day?" "No, sir; he promised to go away this mornin'." "To whom did he make that promise?" Sharpman was on his feet in an instant, calling on Ralph to stop, and appealing to the court to have the counsel and witness restricted to a line of evidence that was legal and proper. He saw open before him the pit of bribery, and this fearless boy was pushing him dangerously close to the brink of it. The judge admonished the defendant's attorney to hold the witness within proper bounds and to proceed with the examination. In the meantime, Goodlaw had been thinking. He felt that it was of the highest importance that this occurrence in Sharpman's office should be made known to the court and the jury, and that without delay. There was but one theory, however, on which he could hope to introduce evidence of all that had taken place there, and he feared that that was not a sound one. But he determined to put on a bold face and make the effort. "Ralph," he said, calmly, "you may go on now and give the entire conversation as you heard it last night between Mr. Sharpman and Rhyming Joe." The very boldness of the question brought a smile to Sharpman's face as he arose and objected to the legality of the evidence asked for. "We contend," said Goodlaw, in support of his offer, "that neither the trustee-plaintiff nor his attorney are persons whom the law recognizes as having any vital interest in this suit. The witness on the stand is the real plaintiff here, his are the interests that are at stake, and if he chooses to give evidence adverse to those interests, evidence relevant to the matter at issue, although it may be hearsay evidence, he has a perfect right to do so. His privilege as a witness is as high as that of any other plaintiff."