On the judge's bench, the wrinkled judge shook his head, signaling his disapproval of Hobart's absurd demand.
In the gallery, Bob's coworkers were all worried for him. They knew Mr. Arnold would never accept a compensation payment of 1,000 pounds, and assumed this was Hobart Lawyer's way of bargaining.
Fors, meanwhile, looked thoughtfully at the expressionless Hobart. She had the strange feeling that she was only truly getting to know him today.
Hobart, standing in court, was not angered by the opposing lawyer's mockery of him as a clown. He said solemnly, "Defendant Lawyer, you simply don't understand clowns. Behind every comedy lies the heart of a tragedy."
Defendant Lawyer was visibly taken aback. Arnold's secretary, seated at the defendant's table, coldly reminded Hobart, "Don't be too greedy. If your demands exceed the relevant regulations, you won't receive even a penny."
Hobart said, "Our demands are not excessive in the slightest. It is only because we live in this world that reasonable demands have become excessive."
Defendant Lawyer smiled. "We don't have time to discuss philosophy with you. Your Honor, please deliver your verdict."
The judge asked Hobart, "Plaintiff Lawyer, do you maintain your current demands?"
"I do."
The judge sighed helplessly. He cleared his throat and was about to announce the verdict when Hobart spoke again. "Your Honor, please wait."
The judge smiled. "It seems you've changed your mind?"
"No. We are withdrawing this claim."
The declaration drew several more gasps.
Both the judge and Defendant Lawyer were baffled by Hobart's move.
Hobart continued, "We will accuse Arnold of causing my client's disability through inaction. Yes, you heard correctly. We will accuse Arnold of intentional injury!"
Amid the uproar, Defendant Lawyer's face turned livid. "Your accusation is invalid! Mr. Arnold did not directly harm your client!"
"My client was