Evening star., 1895-07-27

ward the opposite side OF the room where
her uncle's body had been laid upon some
chairs placed side by side.
Her face possessed the element Of beauty
but was disfgured by excessive leanness
and the lines of care.
Without a moments hesitation she re
moved the handkerchief which had been
laid upon his face. She satisfied herself
means that DR.. Bell had employed, and
apparently with the same technical skill.
What was the cause of death?" she
asked, turning to Bell and Robertson, who
stood side by side.
1t was evident that she knew at glance
that they were physicians.
You should be able to answer that ques-
tion," said the coroner. "You seem to have
II have" she replied. "My father was a
physician, and studied with him for years.
But Go not see any indication here. If
he has been murdered, the poison Is one
with which am not familiar"
ut is a new poison" said Preble, strik-
ing In. Il will show you description of
1t presently. for 1 have sent for paper
containing it,
The girl seemed to be bewildered under
our eyes. We all stared at her. and for
myself l will admit that her confession of
medical training had removed my preju-
dice in her favor. I believed that she had
learned the nature of her uncle's will, and
had sent the poisoned stamp.
You show no grief" said the coroner, as
If the words came without his volition
why should I?'' she replied. Il am his
brothers child. He has permitted my
mother and me to suffer destitution Re-
peatedly have
Pardon me-" said Preble, interrupting,
but time is precious. Why are you here?'
What right have you to question me?'
your uncie's DEATH"
Very WELL" she said: 'I will answer
you.'
She opened a well-worn purse and drew
from 1t scrap of paper, which she gave
to the detective. 1t was a clipping from a
newspaper. Preble started when he saw it,
l was near enough to look over his shoulder
and my curiosity compelled me to do it.
The first word I saw on the paper was
gelothania. The clipping contained the
principal part of the description of that
poison.
My mind was made up. The girl was
mad. I expected that her next words
would be maniacal boasting of her crime.
Preble turned from me. and 1 could not
see what he was doing, but he seemed to
be examining the clipping.
Just then there was knock upon the
door, ard the policeman admitted aeman
whom I recognized by his demeanor as
member of 1.-The force" though he was in
plain clothes.
Here is the newspaper you wanted" he
said. handing it to Preble.
The detective examined It,
Il promised to show you a description of
that poison" he said. This Is the paper
which contained it. but unfortunately it
has been cut out"
What is all this?" exclaimed the cor
oner. "Mr. Preble. I am becoming utterly
confused"
The detective passed the clipping to the
coroner.
BE careful of it." he said at will be
essential in the case"
The coroner looked at it.
Il don't see anything but some adyer-
tisements of work for women" he said
"One of them is marked"
Turn it over" said Preble.
DIR. Robertson did so and he positively
gasped with astonishment.
Gentlemen" said Preble, ''I want to
ask you question. What does a man do
about ten seconds before he licks a postage
stamp?"
We stared at one another, unable to un
derstand what he meant.
1.-The article says" continued the de-
tective. that this poison works in about
ten seconds. 1t produces no painful effect
at first; indeed, to the best of my knowl-
edge. 1t Is not perceived except by reason
of its taste. which is agreeable But at the
end of that interval the victim dies.
Now, you are all firmly persuaded that
that postage stamp killed Mr. Brand, be-
cause it was found upon his tongue: but
isn't that evidence that it did not Kill him
Does man hold a stamp in his mouth ten
Certainly not.
Imagine yourselves in his position He
has finished his letter and directed the
envelope. He seals the envelope and about
ten seconds later he vets the stamp, In