致命的紊乱

Belinda

A DYING Man who had been shot was requested by officers of the law

to make a statement, and be quick about it.

"You were assaulted without provocation, of course," said the

District Attorney, preparing to set down the answer.

"No," replied the Dying Man, "I was the aggressor."

"Yes, I understand," said the District Attorney; "you committed the

aggression - you were compelled to, as it were. You did it in self-defence."

"I dont think he would have hurt me if I had let him alone," said

the other. "No, I fancy he was a man of peace, and would not have

hurt a fly. I brought such a pressure to bear on him that he

naturally had to yield - he couldnt hold out. If he had refused

to shoot me I dont see how I could decently have continued his acquaintance."

"Good Heavens!" exclaimed the District Attorney, throwing down his

note-book and pencil; "this is all quite irregular. I cant make

use of such an ante-mortem statement as that."

"I never before knew a man to tell the truth," said the Chief of

Police, "when dying of violence."

"Violence nothing!" the Police Surgeon said, pulling out and

inspecting the mans tongue - "it is the truth that is killing him."