The men stirred and Mattus continued:
“When I saw Miss Standish again, she was dead.”
“Did you see Miss Roenna Kerr on the ward after the murder?”
“Yes, sir. She arrived soon after I did and I presumed Dr. Sterling, Junior, had sent for her. That’s all I know, sir. Except that Cub, Dr. Sterling, Junior, left his father and made rounds on that ward to calm the hysteria this morning about nine and had the heaven-sent sense to say his father was ill. The women are wallowing in sympathy and have almost forgotten the death of Miss Standish.
“Dr. Bear is sinking, gentlemen.”
When he was gone, Dr. Peters suggested calling Miss Roenna Kerr, but Dr. Harrison opposed it.
“Not on your life. You are out to convict Cub Sterling. I’m out to save him. Let’s have it out in plain words. Bear is on his deathbed.”
Princeton interrupted abruptly, “Harrison, isn’t there some hope? Dear Bear’s physique....”
Dr. Harrison turned on him coldly.
“No. No, dear Peters. His eyes will not be better, tomorrow. They will be closed!”