The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1900-11-10
The Nye kMer
Z

, testimony went to prove most emphati-
cally that brandy was not the cause of
the death. Here was a mystery; and as
usual 1 was turned 10 with the words
We'll, Mr.. NJ GovGp. there s some work
Tor you. See what YOU can make OF t."
AT this stage | was absolutely without
theory of any kind. though still inclined
10 think that Harris knew more than he
would admit. But there was one point I'm
the case which. IL seemed TO me, | ought
10 be able 10 clear up. though the main
feature should for ever remain unsolved--
that was, whittier and how the brandy
had so mysteriously vanished In the short
/ space of three days The medical evil
/ qence seemed to show that little or none
OF IL had gone into the mouth of the de-
ceased. vet on her death Harris had
found the keg empty. Brandy is not gem
orally allowed 10 evaporate--to waste It's
sweetness on the desert air--until part OF
I its fire has been Impaired 20 some dry
/, throat or eager palate. Who then. had
swallowed this? | had alre ady discovered
that Mrs. Harris friends had i'm man
ner taken charge Of her. so far as to in
terdict all her neighbors from entering
he house, as they were under the impress
sion that some articles OF value had In
that way been stolen. They also provid-
cd a kind of attendant in the shape OF an
old woman. who was glad OF a few shil-
linEs a week and her food 10 keep her out
OF the poor house.
u have n hunt for her" was my first
reflection. II shouldn't wonder but she'll
be drouthy body"
Janet Petrie had n house OF her own,
that is little Earret which was sublet
20 her by the real tenant OF the house !;
but found her room empty, and the land
lady some what concerned about the few
sticks OF furniture being I'm the way OF
her letting the room. Janet was away -
she said; but on inquiring more sharply
what that meant. l received tho mystic
rious but significant reply
"Oh-Number Ten"
I i understood al once--the Ward IN the
lnnrmary allotted 10 patients suffering
from delirium tremcns.
she has been drinking, then?" ! said.
with apparent Indifference.
oh ay: she had her BOX there filed
wi bottles o. brandy; and when She cam
hame she fist set TO and drank and
drank till she drank hersel dart and the
bottles toom, ana then we had TO pack
her aff to Number Ten
] had suspicion that the woman who
rendered this information had herself
taken an active part In the "tooming" OF
the bottles, but said nothing, and went
out TO Number Ten, where | found old
Janet Petrie iu her right mind but very
weak. Indeed her first words In answer
20 me gave me hope OF finding her both
pliabe and truthful I'm her answers.
I'm near deid, that's q fact. dinna
ken n I'll ever get better" she said.
"Ser'd me RIGHT for takin' what wasna
my ain"
What did ye TAX. wuman?" asked.
| with n smile.
- wee drap brandy. 7 was nursing a
pulr body that had nae need for tit wad
| fist have dune her hsrm--so nlled a bot
| tie oot o. the keg and took ~ hame"
"Onlv as bottlc?"I banteringly inquired.
"Weel. wecl-maybe twa"
"Hout. wuman, ye may as weel tell the
| truth" 7 lightly returned. did We TAX
a. the brandy or only part o't?'
ooh. weel. didna leave muckle OF"
was the rlow answer. Il wad have been
better withoot it 'Od Il set me fair daft;
dinna mind o. them bringing me In