Now the doctor's stern lip began to quiver, and his keen eyes flashed sharp as steel through the tears that shot into them, for the first time, perhaps, since his manhood.
"Yes," he said, "if you will force me to it—she did make this request; but it was only for a little delay. The poor child wished her secret kept till some one should return."
"And who was that person?"
Katharine's lips parted, and she held her breath with keen interest till the answer was given.
"I do not know."
"And she never told you?"
"She never did."
"And you have no suspicion who this person was?"
"Suspicion is not evidence. I have no knowledge."
The questions now took a professional turn, and the doctor's evidence bore strongly in favor of the prisoner. His deep knowledge, and clear elucidation of medical theories bearing on the case, made a deep impression upon the jury, and threw out gleams of light that were adopted with avidity by the defence.