Generally on such occasions matters are made infinitely worse by some Job's comforter, who creeps about suggesting abstruse questions, and hinting that they represent some examiner's particular hobby.

Such a one came to Dimsdale's elbow, and quenched the last ray of hope which lingered in the young man's bosom.
"What do you know about cacodyl ?" was his impressive question.
"Cacodyl ?" Tom cried aghast.

"It's some sort of antediluvian reptile, isn't it ?" The questioner broke into a sickly smile.

"No," he said.

"It's an organic explosive chemical compound.