The Washington times., 1909-04-03

OISONED candy sent 10 her
- - through the mails. Heavens!
How horribler' gasped Arthur
harrington.
Steve CLAYTON, listening to every word
outside the window, could not see the
expression on the speakers face, but
Judged by the infection of his voice. ms
surprise and horror seemed TO be genu-
inc enough
Are you sure that they candy was
poisoned, Mr. Hamilton he added
absolutely positive replied the girls
father. y took il to the druggist up
the road for him TO examine il. He's
cSjte an expert chemist, YOU know. lie
tested each piece of candy separately
and he told ne that there wasn't sin
sic piece which hadn't been doctored
with a quantity of deadly poison"
But how did you discover that there
was anything wrong with it in the first
placer" Arthur harrington inquired.
What aroused your suspicions?'
.'The fact that the candy was sent
through The mail without the name Of
the sender or any clue TO his or her
identity I've read in the newspapers
OF cases Of whole families being pOis-
oned by candies sent in that manner,
and at once became suspicious. I
felt sure that there was something
wrong about that candy Folks who
send expensive confectionery like that
10 young girls amt generally bashful
about putting their names on the pack
age.
Laura laughed at my fears. She
wanted 70 eat a couple Of pieces right
of to prove that my suspicious were
groundless. but 1 wouldn't let her l
grabbed the box from her and hurried
TO my friend the druggist
And it's very good thing that
you did so,' chimed In Mrs. Hamilton:
otherwise who knows but what all
OF us would be dead now? There isn't
any doubt that Laura, besides eating
the candy herself. would have insisted
on US sharing IL with her. and we
should have all been poisoned together.
Oh, how can people be so wicked?"
TT was certainly very narrow es-
ape," remarked Arthur Darlington.
"Tou are to be cOmplimented. Mr. Ham
nton. on your shrewdness. I wonder
who sent those candies? Do you really
think It was the work Of the same gang
who tried to kidnap Laura a week ago2''
''Yes, I Go. IT certainly looks Ike
I'd shot them dead when I had tie
chance, I'm positive they sent the
candy. and. what's more 7 feel certain
they're responsible for our little girls
disappearance.
Surely, Mr.. Darlington he went on,
latter what I have just told you, YOU
can't continue to think that Laura has
run away. You must believe now. as 7
hal ho ha
thai these ruffans. discovering that
sAeir fiendish attempt to poison her has
failed, have tried some other means Of
getting rid of her; and-God help her
and us'-they've probably succeeded thiz
time"
You believe that she is deadZ' asked
Arthur Darlington. quietly.
We'll, hate TO scare my old woman.
but I guess she's got 70 know the truth
sooner or later Yes. I'm afraid they
have murdered her. The poisoned can
dies prove that their intentions are
II our little girl don't show
up pretty soon, I shall give I'D all hope
OF ever seeing her alive again"
He groaned as he spoke. and Mrs.
Hamilton burst out sobbing
II was some time before Arthur Bar
rington made any reply. At length he
said gently: We'll, you may be right
although / hope for all cur sakes that
such is nOt the case. Personally, I stH
believe. ar. Hamilton, despite what YOU
have just told me. that Laura IS alive
s8et size has disappeared of her own ac-
gsrd.
SFven if these felioWs did send her
the poisoned candy. which. as you say.
shows that they would not hesitate to
murder .her II they had the chance. II
sn't very logical 90 suppose that tney
could have dragged her, alive or dead.
)ut OF OGr Office and spirited her away {
Such a feat would not be possible IN a /
big, crowded New York office building. .
Somebody would surely have Witnessed /
heir bold attempt and would have in I
erfered in her behalf ] feel positive I
hat the thing could not be done sue
,essfully.
No. MY friends, il is much more }
70 suppose that my theory T
3 correct-that she took some part in
he murder CT my poor brother and.
Is before, has run away"
He IS right thought Steve Clayton.
What he says is common sense. Those !
ellows couldn't have had anything 10
10 with the disappearance Of the girl 4
I'D ran away OF her own accord. Of
curse-after numbering Frank Barring
on But ! wonder why Arthur Bar
ington. f. 50 anxious 10 connect her
gi,h the crime.
According 20 what [ have overheard
e was TO have married her tonight
md yet he is trying 10 make these
eOpIe believe tnat she took part in the