“Doctor Dodson was permitted to stand aside, Mr. Rockland declining to cross-examine him.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
“The famous Philadelphia detective was then placed on the stand.
“‘Mr. Dabbs,’ said Quillet, ‘will you please face the jury and tell all you know about the facts and circumstances connected with the death of Harry W. Bramlett.’
“The renowned detective then unbuttoned his vest, leaned back in his seat, and thrusting his thumbs through the arm-holes, surveying the crowd for a moment, began as follows:
“‘I have for the last ten years practiced my profession in the city of Philadelphia, and was employed by Doctor Demar to work up the Bramlett case. I had been led to believe that the case was going to be a difficult one to manage, and that impenetrable mysteries and dangerous plots would have to be encountered and mastered before a correct conclusion could be reached; but I do not hesitate to say that during all my successful career as a detective officer, I never have met with a case of murder by poison in which it was so easy to spot the perpetrator as it has proved in this one.’
“‘We do not want to hear your opinion as to the sufficiency of your evidence, Mr. Dabbs,’ growled Mr. Rockland. ‘Tell what you know about the case, and let the jury weigh the proof.’
“‘That is exactly what I was coming to when you interrupted me. While searching the premises we succeeded in making many wonderful discoveries, all tending to fix the guilt on Miss——’
“‘Stop, sir!’ exclaimed Mr. Rockland, as anger flashed from his eyes. ‘If your Honor please, we do most earnestly protest against this manner of proceeding!’
“‘Tell what you know about the case, sir, and let us have none of your opinions as to where it fixes the guilt.’