e disgraceful
charges which were made against me, my innate love of liberty, and my
caution, bade me think first. Not satisfied with my own counsel, I
deemed it wise to consult legal authority, which I did two days ago.
Messrs. Dudley & Bliss advised me to surrender, confident that my
innocence will be made so apparent that I do not materially jeopardize
my life. In compliance with the understanding entered into two days
ago, as these gentlemen will testify, I am at your service."

"But why did you not come here two days ago?"

"Because I had some affairs of a private nature to arrange."

"What about the incident of the fire reported in the papers?"

"Why, I see nothing in that but poor reportorial work. I did not
choose to be arrested when I had decided voluntarily to surrender, as
such a mischance would have injured my case. I therefore escaped
during the confusion. That I was unobserved, and was reported to have
perished, is not my fault certainly."

"Very well, Doctor. You have not been indicted, and there is no
warrant out for your arrest; still, as you have surrendered, are you
willing to be taken to prison?"

"That is what I expect. I am entirely ready."

"May I ask," said Mr. Dudley, addressing the District Attorney, "in
view of the fact that our client has voluntarily surrendered himself,
that his confinement in prison may be as brief as possible? We claim
that the Doctor is an innocent man, deprived of his liberty whilst
awaiting trial, through the blundering accusations of a stupid
physician. We venture to suggest that common justice demands that his
trial should be as soon as possible."

"I shall arrange to have the trial at as early a date as is consistent
with my duty to the commonwealth!"

"And to the accused?" interjected Dr. Medjora, with a twinkle in his
eye.

"And to the accused, of course," said the old lawyer, with a smile,
unwilling to be outdone.

And so Dr. Emanuel Medjora was taken to prison to await his trial, and
the public was treated to another sensation through the newspapers.

CHAPTER V.

FOR THE PROSECUTION.

In spite of the promises of the District Attorney, several months
passed before the great murder trial was commenced. The public at last
were delighted to hear that their love for the harrowing details of a
celebrated crime was to be satisfied. A few of the newspapers of the
sensational stamp announced that they, and they only, would have the
fullest accoun