Marc's interest, however, had been diverted by Hotstuff, who, for the past several minutes had been staring with unbroken fascination at Mario. Overlooking Hotstuff's begonia infested shorts, Marc followed the pickpocket's gaze across the courtroom.
The first thing Marc noticed was that Mario was not comfortable under Hotstuff's curious stare. The second was a large birthmark, roughly the shape of an eagle, on Mario's forearm.
"Mr. Pillsworth!" the judge said. "Would you mind giving your attention to the court?"
"Oh, yes, your honor," Marc said, "I was just noticing the birthmark on Mr. Matalini's arm. Its resemblance to an eagle is remarkable."
"Birthmark?" the judge said, glancing at Mario. "What birthmark?"
"Well, judge," Marc said, "you can't see it. But with my eyes the way they are...."
"Mayfair Marvin!" Hotstuff ejaculated loudly. "Well, I'll be damned!"
"You be quiet!" the judge said. "No one asked you anything."
"But I'm telling you something!" Hotstuff said excitedly. "That guy is Mayfair Marvin with a dye job and a moustache. He's one of the hottest international jewel thieves in the racket!"
"What!" the judge said. "Isn't there anyone innocent in this court?"
Mario, who had suddenly lost his ruddy complexion, edged toward the exit. "That's preposterous!" he said.
"Yeah?" Hotstuff drawled. "Let's check that birthmark with the official descriptions." He turned to Julie. "If you want to know where your jewelry is, lady, just ask this bum."
Stricken, Julie turned to Mario, who refused to meet her gaze.
"How about it, Marvin?" Hotstuff said. "Do you fork over the rocks or do I tell the court about that job in London when...."
"All right!" the bogus Mario said weakly. He turned to Julie. "If you look under the hedge at the end of the drive you'll find your jewelry buried there. I meant to come back for it later, after a fortuitous call to the bedside of my dying mother."
"Sergeant Feeney," the judge said, "grab that man and have him locked up."
"Yes, your honor," Sergeant Feeney said and, taking Mario by the arm, relievedly escorted him from the room. As he did so, Julie buried her face in her hands and began to cry.
"There!" Toffee said elatedly, turning to the judge, "you see? There goes another charge!"
