"He is something of a hypnotist," said Tom. "Cannot you remember that, and nerve yourself against coming under his spell?"
But the lady only shivered again. "No! no! I have tried it—for Dora's sake—but I cannot do it! I am horrified at his influence, but I cannot withstand it."
"Then you will keep away from the court room when he is tried?"
"Yes, I must. I will get my doctor to issue a certificate that I am ill."
"Will you let Dora testify? If she wishes to do so."
There the matter rested, and the two boys sought out Dora.
"It is too bad," said Dick, on the way. "Mrs. Stanhope is on the verge of a nervous collapse, and I believe it is all on account of Crabtree's doings."
"Yes, and I am afraid she will never get away from his influence. If he hadn't been something of a hypnotist I don't believe she would ever have taken to him at the start as she did."
When Dora was told of what her mother had said, she felt like crying, and the tears stood in her eyes.
"I know it all only too well," she said. "I am glad mamma mill not face him. Why, he would influence her into declaring that he was innocent!"