“'"How brought on?”
“'"No man can trace these affections to primary causes.”
“'"I can,—here, at least,” breaks he in. “This is poison, and you know it. Come, sir,” he cried, “be frank and honest with one whose moments are to be so few here. Tell me, as you would speak the truth in your last hour, am I not right?”
“'"I cannot say with certainty. There are things here I am unable to account for, and there are traits which I cannot refer to any poisonous agency.”
“'"Think over the poisons; you know best. Is it arsenic?”
“'"No, certainly not.”
“'"Nor henbane, nor nicotine, nor nitre, nor strychnine,—none of these?”
“'"None.”
“'"How subtle the dogs have been!” muttered he. “What fools they make of you, with all your science! The commonest money-changer will detect a spurious shilling, but you, with all your learning, are baffled by every counterfeit case that meets you. Examine, sir; inquire, investigate well,” he cried; “it is for your honor as a physician not to blunder here.”
“'"Be calm; compose yourself. These moments of passion only waste your strength.”