ontinued: "We would produce the
slides which I did actually make, and, being warned by you so early,
it would be easy for me to remain in your company until I could send
for an expert to examine the slides, so that at the trial he would be
able to testify, that from the condition of the balsam he could swear
that they had been very recently made. Thus, by admitting all of the
damaging parts of your evidence, and then explaining them so that they
become consistent with the hypothesis of innocence, we would feel
safe. You would still be at the very beginning of your case. It would
devolve upon you to show that I not only made the slides, but that I
likewise used a part of the contents of that tube to inoculate my
wife. You would need to show how such an act were possible. You have
no witness who saw me commit the deed which you charge, have you?"

"No," said Mr. Barnes, reluctantly. "But I still think that the
circumstantial evidence is sufficient." Mr. Barnes felt sure that this
man was guilty, and however skilfully his defence was planned he was
reluctant to yield.

"It is sufficient!" said Dr. Medjora, "Not to convict me at a trial by
jury, but to raise a doubt of my innocence in the minds of those,
whose good will I am determined not to forfeit. Therefore I will not
submit to a trial."

"How will you escape? I intend to arrest you!"

"You intend to arrest me, but your intention will not be carried into
effect. I mean to place myself beyond the reach of the law."

"You do not contemplate suicide?" asked Mr. Barnes, alarmed.

"Not at all! There is no object in such an act, and good reason why I
should not resort to it. You do not comprehend my position, and I must
explain it to you, because I must depend upon you for assistance."

"You expect assistance from me?" Mr. Barnes was puzzled.

"Certainly, and you will grant it. I must tell you that for many years
I have planned a scheme which is now on the verge of accomplishment. I
wish my son Leon to marry Agnes Dudley. I had some difficulty to
obtain my friend's consent, but since he has discovered that the young
people love one another, he has acquiesced. Only to-day he told me
this. But if he was reluctant, when Leon's parentage was unknown, he
would be more so, were he to learn that I am his father."

"But I thought that Judge Dudley was your warm friend?"

"He is! But even strong friendships have a limitation, beyond which
they must not be tried. Judge Dudle