“That was the first time you had seen Alden Leeds?”
“Yes.”
“Now we won’t ask what Jason Carrel told you. We only want to know what you saw and what you did. Please tell the court exactly what happened.”
In the precise, clipped voice of a professional man who is prepared for a grueling cross-examination, Dr. Londonberry said, “I was called to the automobile. I found a man approximately seventy-two years of age, somewhat frail in physical appearance, and apparently suffering from a well-developed psychosis. He was incoherent in his speech, violent in his actions. I immediately noticed a well-defined arcus senilis on the pupil of the right eye — an arcus senilis, I may explain, is due to a hyaline, degeneration of the lamellae and cells of the cornea. It is, in my experience, indicative of the first stages of senile dementia.
“Disregarding, as I am afraid I must, because of the narrow latitude which is permitted me in my testimony, the history of the case and confining my testimony solely to what I myself saw, learned, and did when the patient had entered the hospital, I examined him for consciousness, orientation, hallucinations, delusions, idea association, memory, and judgment. I had already observed his unstable emotions.”
“What did you find?” the lawyer asked.
“I found a case of well-defined senile dementia.”
“And what is your suggestion in regard to this patient?”
“He should be placed under proper care and observation. With the passing of time, he will show a progressive mental deterioration and complete inability to handle his business affairs. He will become increasingly susceptible to blandishments, false friendships, and fraud. The progress of the disease can be stayed somewhat by proper care and treatment, relief from business worries, and particularly from the necessity of making decisions.”
“And it was at your suggestion, Doctor, that the patient was not brought to court this morning?”