death certificate assigning diphtheria as the cause of
death. Now why did you do that?"

"Because it was my opinion!"

"Oh, I see. It was your opinion. Then you did not actually know it."

"Not actually of course. We never----"

"That is all!" exclaimed Mr. Munson, cutting off the witness at the
point in his reply most advantageous to his side, and the Doctor
remained silent, but appeared much annoyed.

Mr. Bliss smiled at the old legal trick, and in taking the witness
began at once, by allowing him to finish the interrupted speech.

"Dr. Fisher," said he, "you had not quite ended your reply when
counsel closed your examination. What else was it that you wished to
say?"

"I wished to say that I could not actually know the cause of death,
because medicine is not an exact science. It is rarely possible to
have absolute knowledge about diseased conditions. No two cases have
ever been seen that were precisely identical."

"But you judged that this girl died of diphtheria from your experience
with such cases, is that it?"

"Yes, sir."

"How much experience have you had!"

"I have been in practice nearly forty years."

"And Dr. Meredith, although a specialist, has had less experience than
you, has he not?"

"I object," cried Mr. Munson, "Dr. Meredith was not an expert witness
in the first place, and it is too late to try to impeach his ability
now."

"The objection is sustained," said the Recorder.

"Now, Dr. Fisher, as you signed a death certificate naming diphtheria
as a cause of death, of course that was your opinion at that time. You
have been present throughout this trial, and have heard all of the
evidence, I believe?"

"Yes, sir."

"Have you heard anything which has made you alter your opinion?"

"No, sir."

"Then tell us, please, in your opinion what was the cause of death."

"I still think that the girl died of diphtheria."

"Despite all the testimony as to finding morphine in the body, and
despite the condition of the kidneys, you still think that this girl
died of diphtheria?"

"I do."

Mr. Bliss was taking full advantage of his victory over the
prosecution, in compelling them to call this witness, who was now
giving evidence so damaging to their side.

"Now, then, Doctor, we would like a little more light upon the facts
from which you make this deduction. It has been testified and admitted
by you, that in the afternoon the membrane had nearly all disappeared,
and that the crisis h