t manoeuvre, tending to further discredit the
witness, without placing himself in opposition to the Judge, an
important point always. Mr. Bliss then yielded the witness, and
the Assistant District Attorney asked a few more questions in
re-examination, but they were mainly intended to re-affirm the
previous testimony, and so obtain a last impression upon the minds of
the jury. Nothing was brought out which would add to what has already
been narrated. Court then adjourned for the day.

CHAPTER VI.

DAMAGING TESTIMONY.

On the following day the newspaper accounts of the trial, and
especially of the sharp cross-examination of Dr. Meredith, attracted a
tremendous crowd, which assailed the doors of the court-room long
before the hour for opening. Every conceivable excuse to gain
admission was offered. Men claimed to be personal friends of the
prisoner, and women brought him flowers. Some essayed force, others
resorted to entreaty, whilst not a few relied upon strategy, appearing
with law books under their arms, and following in the wake of counsel.
Thus when the Recorder finally entered, and proceedings were begun,
every available seat, and all standing room was fully occupied by the
throng, which, without any real personal interest in the case, yet was
attracted through that curious love of the sensational, and of the
criminal, which actuates the majority of mankind to-day.

The first witness was called promptly. This was Dr. McDougal, the
Coroner's physician, to whom had been intrusted the autopsy. He gave a
full account of the operations performed by himself and his assistants
upon the body of the deceased. He described in detail each step of his
work, and exhibited a thoroughness and caution which more than
anything demonstrated that he was the expert pathologist which the
prosecution claimed him to be. Indeed, it would be well in great
trials, if those having charge of autopsies would emulate the example
of Dr. McDougal. He explained how, before opening the body, it had
been thoroughly washed in sterilized water, and placed upon a marble
slab, which had been scrubbed clean and then bathed in a germicidal
solution. Next new glass cans, absolutely clean, had been at hand, in
which the various organs were placed as they were removed from the
body, after which they were hermetically sealed, and stamped with the
date, so that when passed into the hands of the analytical chemist,
that gentleman might feel assured