Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1906-12-04
CHAPTER XVII.


md the evening papers gave its own YER
I;On of the affair, and hint at foul play.
There were no grounds for this state
nent, as DIR. Chinston told Kitty and
Madame Midas to say nothing about the
poison, and it was generally understood
That the deceased had died from apoplexy.
rumor, however, which originated none
knew how, cropt about among every one
that poison was the cause of death, and
this, being added to by some and embel-
lished in all its little details by others,
there was soon a complete story made up
about the affair.
The inquest was appointed to take place
next day, and Gallon had been asked by
Madame Midas to be present on her be-
half, Kilsip. detective officer, was also
present, and, curled up like cat in the
eOrner, vas listening to every word OF the
evidence.
The first witness called was Madame
Midas, who depOsed that the deceased,
Selma Jane Sprotts, was her servant She
had gone to bed in excellent health, and
next morning she had found her dead.
Kitty then told her story.
The inquest was adjourned till next
day, and there was great excitement over
the affair IL Kitty Marchnrst's state
ment was true, the deceased must have
died from the administration of poison
but, on the other hand, DR.. Chinston as
serted positively that there was no trace
Sf poison, AID that the deceased had clear
ly died from apoplexy.
Suddenly, however, a new interest was
given to the case by the assertion that
Ballarat doctor, called Gollipeck, who was
n noted toxicologist, had come down to
Melbourne to assist at the analysis of the
stomach. and knew something which
would throw light on the mysterious
death.
VandelOup saw the paragraph which
gave this information, and it disturbed
him very much.
That book of Prevol's" he said to him
self, as he threw down the paper lit will
put them on the right track, and then
WELL" observed NJ Vandeloup, senten-
tiously "they say danger sharpens a
mans wits; it's lucky for me if it does"
His rooms in Clarendon street, East
Melbourne, were very luxuriously and ar
tistically furnished, in perfect accordance
with the taste of their owner. NJ CASTOR
Vandeloup, though not exactly miserable,
was very i'll at ease. The inquest had
been adjourned until the government an
alyst, assisted by DIR. Golipeck, had ex-
amined the stomach, and according to a
paragraph in the evening paper, some
strange statements, duplicating various
people, would be made next day. 1t was
this that made Vandeloup so uneasy, for
he knew that DIR. Gollipeck would trace a
resemblance between the death of Selma
Sprouts in Melbourne and Adele Blondet
in Paris, and then the question would
arise how The poison used in the one case
came 10 be used in the other.
1t was about S o'clock at night, and
CASTOR was busy in his rooms packing up
to go away next morning He had dispos-
cd of his apartments to Bellthorp as that
young gentleman had lately come in for
some money and was dissatisfied with the
paternal roof, where he was kept too
strictly tied up.
Vandeloup. seated IN his shirt sleeves
in the midst of a chaos of articles OF
clothing, portmanteaux and boxes, was,
with the experience of an accomplished
traveller, rapidly putting these all away
in the most expeditions and neatest man
ner. While thus engaged there came
ring at the outer door, and shortly after
ward Gaston's landlady entered his room
with a card.
"A gentleman wants to see you, sir,"
she said. holding out the card.
I'm not at home" replied Vandeloup,
coolly; Il can't see any one tonight"
"He says you'd like to see him, sir"
answered the woman, standing at the
door.
THE mischief he Does" muttered Van
deloup, uneasily; II wonder what this
pertinacious gentleman's name is?" and he
glanced at the card, wherein was written
''Dr. Gollipeck."
Vandeloup felt chill running through
him as he rose to his feet. The battle
was about to begin, and he knew he
would need all his wit mad skill TO get
himself out safely. DIR. Gollipeck had
thrown down the gauntlet, and he would
have TO pick it up. Well, it was best to
know the worst at once, so he told the
landlady he would see Gollipeck down
stairs He did not want him to come up
there as he would see all the evidences
of his intention to leave the country.
IN see him downstairs" he said.
shSrply, to the landlady; TASK the gentle
man TO wait"
The landlady, however. was pushed
roughly TO one side, and DR.. Gollipeck
rusty and dingy looking as ever, entered
the room.
mo need. my dear friend" he said in
his grating voice, blinking at the young
man through his spectacles, I'VE can talk
here"
Vandeloup signed to the landlady to
leave the room, which she did. closing the
door after her, and then, pulling himself
together with great effort, he advanced
smilingly on the doctor.
"Ah, my dear monsieur" he said. in his
musical voice. holding out both hands,
''how pleased l am to see you"
DIR. Gollipeck gurgled pleasantly in his
throat at this and laughed, that is, some
thing apparently went wrong in his inside
and n rasping noise came out of his
mouth.
"My room is untidy, is 1t not?" said
Vandeloup. nodding his head carelessly at
the chaos of furniture. 9Th going away
for a few days"
"a few days: ha, ha :" observed Golli-
peck, something again going wrong with
his inside Your destination is"
Sydney" replied CASTOR. promptly.
And then?" qusried the doctor.
Depends upon circumstances"
That's a mistake retorted Gollipeck,
leaning forward: "it depends upon me-"
Vandeloup smiled.
'Ip that case, circumstances, as repre-
sezteS by you. will permit me to choose
my own destinations"
Depends entirely upon your being
guided by circumstances, as represented
hy me-" retorted the doctor grimly.
"Pshaw - said the Frenchman, coolly.
'let us have done with sllegory. and come
TO common serse. What do you want %
u want Oc1aye Brsulard." said Coli
peck. rising 70 his feet.
Vandeloup quite expected this. and was
too clever to waste time in denying his
identity.
HE stands before you." he answered.
CURLY, what Them
You acknowledge. then. that you are