Hill. “I didn’t. It is very wicked.”
Doctor. “It is very wicked to tell lies.”
Hill (looking very ashamed). “Yes.”
Doctor. “It is very wicked to try and commit suicide, but sometimes people feel they don’t want to live any more.” (Hill, fidgeting nervously and looking more ashamed than ever, nodded.) “You did try and hang yourself, didn’t you? I know you are a very religious man, and will tell me the truth.”
Hill (after thinking for a long time, looking very ashamed, whispered) “Yes.”
Doctor. “Why?”
Hill (crying). “Jones was going to, and I didn’t want to live without Jones.”
Moïse. “The doctor thanks you very much. That is all.”
At the first opportunity Hill told me he had admitted the hanging. (He had denied it at his first examination.)
“If they confront me with you and your admission,” I said, “I think the right line would be for me to bash you on the jaw. Will you mind?”