asked for a definition of vaccination, of prophylactics and of smallpox,
and thus have argued till the audience grew weary. But some God of
vengeance fought upon his side, the hand of doom was over me, and a
power I could not resist dragged the answer from my lips.

"I think, sir," I replied, "that, as the chairman has told you, the
whole of my public record is an answer to your question. I have often
expressed my views upon this matter; I see no reason to change them."

Ernest Merchison turned to the audience.

"Men of Dunchester," he said in such trumpet-like and thrilling tones
that every face of the multitude gathered there was turned upon him,
"Dr. Therne in answer to my questions refers to his well-known views,
and says that he has found no reason to change them. His views are that
vaccination is useless and even mischievous, and by preaching them
he has prevented thousands from being vaccinated. Now I ask him to
illustrate his faith by baring his left arm before you all."

What followed? I know not. From the audience went up a great gasp
mingled with cries of "_yes_" and "_shame_" and "_show him_." My
supporters on the platform murmured in indignation, and I, round whom
the whole earth seemed to rush, by an effort recovering my self-control,
rose and said:--

"I am here to answer any question, but I ask you to protect me from
insult."

Again the tumult and confusion swelled, but through it all, calm as
death, inexorable as fate, Ernest Merchison stood at my side. When it
had died down, he said:--

"I repeat my challenge. There is smallpox in this city--people are lying
dead of it--and many have protected themselves by vaccination: let
Dr. Therne prove that he has not done this also by baring his left arm
before you all."

The chairman looked at my face and his jaw dropped. "I declare this
meeting closed," he said, and I turned to hurry from the platform,
whereat there went up a shout of "_No, no_." It sank to a sudden
silence, and again the man with the face of fate spoke.

"Murderer of your own child, I reveal that which you hide!"

Then with his right hand suddenly he caught me by the throat, with his
left hand he gripped my linen and my garments, and at one wrench ripped
them from my body, leaving my left breast and shoulder naked. And there,
patent on the arm where every eye might read them, were those proofs of
my infamy which he had sought.

I swooned away, and, as I sank into oblivion, there