The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-05-31
By ROBERT CARLTON BROWN
Author of THE BURDEN OF PROOF

so I guess IN go to bed early and
in q Sneeze.
''Confound that cold" ne cried. win
ing his eyes and continuing to grumbfe
''I'li have Eben mix me up some of his
cold cure for me. That always knocks
it; There's nothing that / -kn-know
''Herep' cried Phil. try some Of
these, and he handed his uncle a box
containing cough drops.
No, thanks. I'll have Eben mix his
potion for me, and go right to bed.
That viii fix it,
Better take one of these" urged
Phil, and Uncle Jack finally agreed to
the substitute until he could get the
genuine cure
They sat around the table for a short
time further, and then the uncle went TO
his den on the third floor. Eben was
there, cleaning an old brass idol with
nitric acid.
Put that down and mix me some
dope right away. I've got to get to
town e. rly in the morning" said
Eben gathered up a number of bottles
that were ready to use in making the
cold cure, and set to work at once Phil
entered the room, chatted with his uncle
for awhile. and then went down stairs.
AS he passed down Bob went by him
on his way TO the uncle's room Phil
hesitated. He knew that his uncle was
in no mood TO be trifled with; he had
a
at the interview.
But remembering that Eben was there
and that his uncle was fully able to
take care OF himself. Phil continued on
his way.
Picking up his hat, he left the house
and strolled around the block.
The air was heavy. A strange SEN
saticn of impending tragedy possessed
him. lie hoped that Bob did not intend
to cause his uncle further worry. Sew
s-aT he sta ed fn I'm Ia NJ
then went on, feeling that it would be
absurd for him to interfere.
After walking for twenty minutes. the
sitting sensation became so oppressive
that he returned home at once and ran
up the steps quickly. urged on by an
indefinite fear.
As he passed through the hall he be-
came suddenly aware of peculiar at
mosphere. A servant rushed b.. turned,
saw Phil, and came hurrying up to him.
Phil made out the sound Of running
foo steps overhead.
.rgour uncle" blurted out the man.
in confusion. 81 mean, Mr. Stevens, sir,
would like TO see you at once in the
den"
isis there anything wrong with
him." cried Phil, striding forward. his
fist cleuching and uncienching spas
medically.
"T-l-yts, sir-he said, at once. I've
been LOCKING all over for you," STAN
mered the footman-
Phil leaped up the steps three at a
time.
ON the third floor all was confusion.
Servants rushed about with pans and
bottles. and there was a low buzz from
the den
Phil threw open the door. A horrible
sight noes his eyes. 1t scared its way
into his Drain and left a lasting inn
preston.
On the bed lay his uncle, twisting in
agony; over him bent doctor ana
Bob. On the floor at one side, neglected
by all. was the insensiDle form OF
Eben.
Tragedy was in the air. Phil rushed
to the bedside and knelt there his
throat Tightening with emotion, cold
Precipitation breaking out all over him.
The uncle's eyes. fixed wide in hor-
rid stare, seemed to recognize Phil. He
reached out a falter1ng hand; spaSn
Of pain jerked IL back.
1--we been poisoned he articulat-
ed with difficulty.