The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1905-01-27

solitary eyeglass stuck in his eye,
and face which plainly bore the signs
of dissipation
How do you do?" he drawled.
This is my friend, Dr. North
Captain Norton"
Jaw! How do you do, doctor?" he
said, in rhe same drawing tone
Il brought Dr. North to see your
uncle and express his opinion said
DR.. Vernon. You remember | said
yesterday | thought | would call some
one in and hold consultation"
You did perfectly right, doctor. No
money must be spared TO restore my
poor, dear uncle to health and strength
again. He has been rather worse this
afternoon, | am sorry to say. Call at
the smoking room as you came down,
and let me know how you find him."
Or. Vernon led the way up the great
staircase and along a wide corridor,
then tapped gently at a closed door,
opened it, and passed inside, motioning
his friend to remain where he was.
He was back again in a few mo-
ments
q have told Mr. Brandon you are
here, so come forward"
Mr.. Brandon was man of about
sixty years of age, tall and broad
shouldered, and before his illness must
have been a man of magnificent pro-
portions. He shook hands and spoke
in a spiritless way to DR.. North.
Your nephew informs me you have
been worse today" said Dr. Vernon.
Yes; l had a severe attack this af-
ternoon but it soon passed away, and
| feel much better now"
Have you been smoking again to-
day." continued the doctor.
Il had one cigar with my nephew
this morning; but it was a very mild
one, and assure you | didn't smoke
half of it,
While DR.. Vernon continued his ques-
tioning, DR.. North turned to the nurse
and asked her what had become of the
cigar left by Mr. Brandon.
Captain Norton threw it into the
fire this afternoon when he came in,'
she replied, HE always throws the
fag ends into the fire after they have
had a smoke"
He seems to be very particular over
trifles," said DR.. North. Does he clear
the ashes in the same way?"
"Oh, no! Here is the tray containing
the ashes of this mornings cigar"
She pointed to a small stand, on
which stood gold cigar tray, holding
a small heap of ashes.
At this point the nurse was called by
DR.. Vernon, and Dr. North, glancing
round to see that he was not observed
pulled piece of paper out of his peck
ct. He then shook the cigar ashes in
to it, and screwing it up, replaced it in
his pocket.
A few minutes later the two doctors
bade their patient goodnight, and
made their way to the smoking-room,
where Capt:in Norton was awaiting
them. R
An hour later the two old friends
were in Dr. Vernon's surgery; and, al
though it was past the hoar of mid
night, neither of them thought of re-
firing to rest
They were surrounded by a formida
Bile array of bottles, and had before
them a number of test tubes, each of
which contained small portion Of the
cigar ashes.
Test after test was applied, and at
length they were enabled to prove
that the ash contained traces of
deadly poison.
Soon after nine o'clock in the morn.
ing they were at Brandon Towers
again, and had long interview with
Mr.. Brandon, who was astounded at
their revelations.
He stated the cigars given him by
his nephew were small and light col
ored, and on several occasions he had
noticed strange flavor about them
which he did not at all dislike.
Captain Norton was called in, and
his uncle asked him for his cigar case.
He hesitated moment, then handed
it over 1t contained cigar similar TO
the one described.
Now, Fred" said Mr. Brandon,
sternly, you must smoke this cigar
before you leave the room. | want
to see what effect it will have upon
you"
Seeing that all was discovered, the
young man showed his cowardly nature
by dropping on his knees and in
whining tone beseeching his uncle to
forgive him.
"You are a murderer in everything
but Decd" replied his uncle; land l
ought to hand you over to the officers
of the law; but for the honor of the
family will not do that. l will give
you a check for five hundred pounds
on condition yN@ leave England at
once and never return Give me nv