“Anyone with you?”

“Yes, sir. I went there with⁠—”

“Wait⁠—wait a moment. Never mind mentioning your companion’s name. We will produce him at the proper time. Did you carry anything there with you.”

Tom hesitated and looked confused.

“Speak out, my boy⁠—don’t be diffident. The truth is always respectable. What did you take there?”

“Only a⁠—a⁠—dead cat.”

There was a ripple of mirth, which the court checked.

“We will produce the skeleton of that cat. Now, my boy, tell us everything that occurred⁠—tell it in your own way⁠—don’t skip anything, and don’t be afraid.”