“Thank you. Those few words encourage me. I know the evidence that is against me, and it is strong. But it is surely impossible for me to be convicted, when I am innocent. Such a wrong cannot take place.”
“Any wrong may take place,” said the doctor, quietly, “if no effort is made to stay it. But I have no right to talk to you. My duty relates only to your health. You will be all right if you will follow my directions. You will probably employ a lawyer, and, as the examination will take place this afternoon, you had better have a consultation as soon as you feel able to endure it. Take one of these powders every half-hour. Good-day.”
“Good-day,” said Carlos. “I am greatly obliged to you.”
After Doctor Davison was gone, he meditated for some time upon the course he should take. He finally sent for the jailer, and inquired the names of the legal profession of Dalton.
“Well,” said the jailer, “there’s Squire Bailey; he’s an old one, and been pretty lucky; there’s McDonald, who is just busy all the time with civil suits, though I don’t think he’s had much to do with criminal cases; and there’s Royalton, who, though a young man, has served one term as district-attorney. He, of course, has had some experience in prosecuting, and might know better how to meet the case on that account. He is death on badgering a witness and can make a jury think almost anything he has a mind to.”
“I suppose he stands well in the community?”
“Oh, bless you, yes. One of the leaders of society; goes to church regularly; and just now very popular on account of taking sides against a railroad company that’s trying to cram a pretty big dose down the people’s throats.”
“Well,” said Carlos, “I think I’ll retain him, if possible. Will you be so kind as to send for him?”
“Certainly; can I do anything to make you comfortable?”
“No, thank you. I would like to have Mr. Royalton come as soon as possible.”