The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1914-01-22

he questioned al last
"A sharp instrument with two prongs
My theory is that the prongs are hoI
low. like hypodermic needle. and
leave drop or two of poison at the
bottom of the wound. You see vein
has been cut
Yes" Hughes assented 1T would
scarcely be possible to pierce the hand
here without striking vein. One of
the prongs would be sure to do it."
That's the reason there are two of
them, | fancy"
But you are. of course. aware that
no poison exists which would act so
quickly?" Hughes inquired
Godfrey looked at him strangely.
You yourself mentioned Florence a
moment ago" he said You meant |
suppose, that such a poison did at one
time exist there?"
Something of the sort, perhaps" "
agreed Hughes
well, the poison that existed in
Florence FIVE centuries ago exists here
today. There's the proof of it," and
But what sort of devilish instru-
ment is it? cried Hughes. his nerves
giving way for an instant. his voice
mounting shrilly. Above all. who
wields it?" Then he shook himself
together,
There is something supernatural
about it. something | can't uDderstan nd.
How does it happen that each of the
victims is struck on the right hand? :?
Why not on the left hand? Why the
hand at all?'
Godfrey answered with a despairing
shrug
THAT is what we've got to find out. a"
he said.
I'VE shall have to call In the police. ="
suggested Hughes. Maybe they can
solve it."
Godfrey smiled. little skeptical
smile. quickly suppressed.
AT least they will have to be given
the chance" he agreed. shall ] at
tend to it?''
"Yes," said Hughes. land you would
better do it right away. The sooner
they get here the better"
VERY WELL" assented Godfrey. and
left the room.
Hughes sat down heavily on the
couch near the window and mopped
his face again with Il shaking hand.
That wass trying half hour. Hughes
sat on the couch. breathing heavily,
staring at the hoor. As for me. | was
thinking of my dead friend remem-
bered Philip Vantine as | had always
known him a kindly. witty. Christian
gentleman. That such man should
be killed like this. struck down by a
mysterious assassin. armed with poi
sOned weapon.
A woman But why should she have
chosen Philip Vantine of all men for
her victim Philip Vantine, who had
never injured any woman? And then
| paused, for | realized that | knew
nothing of Vantine except what he
had chosen to tell me. Parks would
know. And then | shrank from the
thought. Must we probe that secret!
Must we compel man to betray his
master?
The door opened and Godfrey came
in. This time he was not alone Sim
mOnds and Godberger followed him.
and their faces showed that they were
as shaken and nOnplused as |. There
was third man with them whom
did not know. but soon found out
that 1t was Freylinghuisen. the coro
ner's physician
Instead of getting to work. Gold
berger walked up and down. pulling Inn
, patiently at his mnslache and glancing
at his watch now and then. He seem
ed to be waiting for some one, but not
until twenty minutes later did ! sus-
pect who it was Then the door open
ed again to admit short. heavy set
man. with horid face. stubbly black
mustache and little. close set eyes. pre-
ternaturally bright
This is Mr. Lester. Commissioner
Grady" said Goldberger. and realized
that the chief of the detective bureau
had come up from headquarters to
take personal charge OF the case. MIR
Lester is Mr. vantne's attorney" the
coroner added. in explanation.
Glad to know you. Mr. Lester" said
Grady shortly.
"And now. guess. we're ready IL
begin" went on the coroner.
mot quite" said Grady grimIy
Wen excuse all reporters frst." and
he looked across at Godfrey. his face