“'Meekins is still living?' asked Dr. Grounsell.
“'Living, and now here,' replied I; at which he gave a start of surprise, and, I think, of alarm.
“'Is he ready to substantiate his statement on oath?' said he.
“'That he could do so, I have no doubt,' replied I; 'that he will, or that he ought, is perhaps a matter for calm reflection.'
“'How do you mean?' said he, hastily. 'If what he alleges be true, can there be any hesitation as to its publicity?'
“'On that there may be grave doubts, sir,' said I. 'They whom the law could have held responsible are already gone before another judgment seat. Their guilt or innocence has been proven where deception or error exist not! It is only their blameless descendants that could now pay the penalty of their crime; and it may well be matter for consideration whether they should be exposed to the world's shame, to expiate that wherein they had no share——'
“'Do you yourself believe this man's story?' asked he, abruptly.
“'I see no reason to discredit it,' was my answer. 'There are moments when doubt is more difficult than belief, and this is one of them. He has never varied in his narrative,—he tells it to-day as he told it yesterday,—he details family circumstances that defy invention, and mentions events and incidents that all tally with facts.'
“'Where was he himself at the time of the murder?'
“'In South America,' he says. 'He had joined one of those patriot expeditions which sailed from Ireland to join Bolivar.'