The Washington times., 1909-06-01
CHAPTER Y.


THEY listened to the gurgle of old
! Eben's voice for some time. but
nothing could be learned. Doctor
Lyons seemed to think that the blow
on the head had paralyzed his tongue,
but then came 10 believe in the insanity
idea, for Eben could not even write
what he wanted TO explain.
There was, however, a lcok OF pain
in his eyes that showed plainly he had
a story he wished TO tell. and that II
he could but tell II the mystery would
be cleared up.
Bob excused himself shortly and went
downstairs. Phil heard him slam the
outer door after him and wondered
vaguely " his cousin were going to run
away from il ali.
Somehow. he could see the affair in
but one light, Bob had poisoned his
uncle and was trying 10 n.ake II appear
that Phil had done the deed.
For an hour after Bob left Phil sat
in consultation with the doctor. They
advanced and rejected a hundred the
or1es. finally coming back TO the only
plausible one that John stevens had
such a thing. Was there for Bob2
There was no motive for Eben 10 do
such timing. Was there for Bob2
1t was late when the doctor left; the
coroner had been notified, and a sitting
arranged for the first thing in the
morning.
I'VE will see what the coroner's jury
As he bade Phil good night.
Phil Daring sat for some time with
his uncle's corpse. Then, with a Shiver,
he passed into the room where Eben
lay
The servant had fallen into sIum-
Der and his breathing was regular
TO nurse him through the night.
There being nothing 10 do, and hav-
Ing had strenuous night OF IL, Phil
went 70 his room 10 lie down;
a IN Of n arat
drops that he had offered 70 his uncle.
II couldn't De possible that they con
tanned poison.
Going to his dinner-coat, he took out
the box and put one OF the drops in his
mouth. IL tasted. sweet and ne sucked
IL TO the end, with no iH-effects. The
poison idea was absurd
He dropped the half-fuu box into a
pocket of the coat he had on and
smoked pipe thOughtfully Tor hssf an
hour. Then, utterly worn out. he took
of his coat and threw himself on the
bed
He must have fallen asleep easily.
for 1t was almost dawn when he stirred.
attracted by peculiar sound But ne
was too sleepy 10 realize just what had
/ bothered him and dozed off again with
out any trouble.
dFugged, for he was heavy with the
/ less or rest maid awakened him al
/ $50, advising him that inc coroner $
+ jury would sit at the house at 10
/ o'clock.
PM jumped from bed. threw on his
clothes and went TO she den, where
: preparations were already being made
! An underakeT's assistants " ere work
! ing about, helping DR.. Lyons. who was
: making a preliminary examination OF
( the body, in order TO give his opinion
/ TO the jury.
How is Eben this morning?" asked
Phil, after he had expressed surprise
! at the physicians early return
He is resting easily but is still un-
I able to say anything cOherently,' re-
piled TIE other. Go iIs and sit with
/ him: he may be able to find EXPIRE s5ion
I for his thoughts, anc we don't want TO
miss a word
! Phil started for the room and met
/ Bob just coming out.
Good morning.
/ A black look was the only reply he
got: but suddenly Bob turned and
called after him, genially, Good morn
What had caused the sudden change
I Phil could not imagine, but he did not
| worry about II.
! Suddenly the thought flashed
through his mind that possibly old
/ E5cn had managed 20 impart some
thing 20 Bob, or else the young fellow
I was pleased over the certainty that
! Eben would never be able 20 tell his
I story.
/ Phil vent in and sat beside old Eber
/ The man did not seem to recognize him
/ lie looked at him with a longing eN-
/ preston IN his dazed eyes-a pitifu
! look that hurt Phil.
! "Bah!-buh!' struggled Eben, straw
ing his mouth wide open and staring At
| Phil
Daring could not understand thai
/ word the old fellow was reaching for
but it might be that he was trying tc
say Bob
Bob? Bob" repeated Phil
A light Of understanding came into
Ehen's eyes. and Phil figured that hs