"Yes," he said quickly, "my client can never tell when this girl's mania for the punishment of imaginary wrongs inflicted on her may not assume the form of personal violence. We have thirty witnesses who can prove the existence in this unfortunate girl's mind of the most unaccountable, unreasonable desire to—to inflict something she calls retribution on this innocent man's head. Oh, it's a positive danger—a positive danger!"
Professor Bodley peered over his spectacles and grew reminiscent.
"I remember," he said, "a case up the State, where that condition resulted in a fatal shooting affair."
"Of course," exclaimed Cooley eagerly, glad to grasp at any straw, "that's just it. It isn't her ridiculous notion about money—or the fact that she is being sought in marriage by penniless paupers. It's the fear of violence which prompts us to ask that she be taken care of, and watched, at least for a time, for her own sake absolutely—for her own sake."
The inspector's face grew grave.
"Quite so—quite so," he said thoughtfully.
Professor Bodley held up a newspaper clipping.
"Is it really a fact," he demanded, "that Miss Marsh stated that she intended to contribute a large sum of money to——" He stopped a moment to consult the clipping and then read on: "An institution for the development of the psychic self in domestic animals?"
"That's sworn testimony!" exclaimed Mr. Cooley, pointing to the newspaper.
"It's a positive fact," nodded Dr. Zacharie affirmatively, "she told me so herself."