t four said
again quietly, "Yes, this is mine."

"This is not one that went to the document examiners, right?" Henry was
frantic.

"The witness has just identified document number two of exhibit four,"
repeated Diana.

As the panel again started to question Sarah, Henry struggled for
control. Face blanched, hands compressed into fists so tightly that
the nails bit into his palms, he listened powerlessly as Esther got the
first question out. "Sarah, how can you be sure that this is yours?"

"Because I recognize the handwriting; I know what I wrote, that is why."

"I'd like to conduct the examination of my own witness, if I may,"
snapped Diana as the panel broke out in a flurry of questions after
Esther's initial one. This angry outburst shocked the panel into
silence, temporarily.

In a more relaxed voice, Diana nodded toward them and said, "Thank you.
Now, Sarah, have you been pressured in any way to make this
identification or have you been promised anything for doing it--by me
or any other person? Remember, you are under oath to tell the complete
truth."

"No."

"Thank you. I have finished the direct examination of this witness."

"May I see packet C to make sure I understand," said a very flustered
Henry Tarbuck.

Esther started in on Sarah. Even though Sarah had given her class and
student status at the beginning of her testimony, Esther asked for it
all again. Perhaps she thought Diana was ringing in an impostor.
Others on the panel took over as Esther paused for breath.

Sarah carefully answered each question, becoming confused only when two
or three questions were thrown at her at the same time. She
established who she was and how she had found out about the "whole
business."

"Tell me again when you took the course?"

"Is there a date on the form?"

Raising his voice in the way that men will in the presence of women as
an effective way of silencing them and holding the floor by
intimidation, Anuse drawled conversationally, "What you claim is
interesting. This document was identified by the document examiner as
being written by Dr. Trenchant." He fixed Sarah with a patronizing
grimace. His attitude plainly said I don't believe you, little girl.

Sarah replied, "I know that."

"Well, we should see a sample of your handwriting."

"You have a sample. It is right there on that paper I identified."

"No, absolutely not. It cannot be. You have made a mistake. That
SmurFF has been