The Holly chieftain., 1915-07-02


Very pleased TO have you at the
table, madam" he replied 'As TO the
seating, l leave that entirely to the
steward. ! never interfere myself"
Laura pinched his arm, and Lenora
glanced away to hide a smile Mrs.
Foston Rowe studied the menu disap-
provingly.
"Hors d'oeuvres," she declared, Il
never touch. No one knows how long
they've been opened. Bouillon-I will
nave some bouillon, steward"
In one moment, madam"
The professor came ambling along
towards the table.
i fear that l am a few moments
late.' he remarked, as he took the
chair next to Mrs. Foston Rowe ! of
Ter you my apologies, captain. con-
graduate you upon your library. ! have
discovered most interesting book up
on the habits of seagulls 1t kept me
engrossed until the very last moment,
and ! am hungry
We'll, you'll have to stay hungry
long time at this table then" Mrs. Fos-
ton Rowe snapped. Seems to me
that the service is going to be abomin-
able"
The steward, who had just arrived.
presented a cup of bouillon to Quest.
The others had all been served Quest
stirred it thoughtfully.
And as to the CUSTOM" Mrs Foston
Rowe continued, 'of serving gentle
men before ladies, it is suppose, pc
culiar to this steamer"
Quest hastily laid down his spoon,
raised the cup of bouillon and pre-
sentcd it with a little bow to his neigh
bor
Pray allow me, madam" he begged.
The steward was to blame"
Mrs. Foston Rowe did not hesitate
for moment. She broke up some
toast in the bouillon and commenced
to sip it.
The spoon suddenly went clatterng
from her fingers. She caught at the
sides of the table, there was strange
look in her face. With scarcely a
murmur she fell back in her seat
Quest leaned hurriedly forward.
There was a slight cOmmotion The
doctor came hurrying up from the 9th
er side of the saloon. He bent over
her and his face grew grave.
What is it," the captain demanded.
The doctor glanced at him mean
ingly.
-"She had better be carried out" he
whispered.
WAS it faint" Lenora asked.
I'VE shall know directly" the cap
tain replied. Better keep your places
l think. Steward, serve the dinner as
usual"
The man held out his hand to with
draw the cup of bouillon, but Quest
drew it towards him.
Let it wait for moment" he or
dered
He glanced at the captain, who nod
ded back, In few moments the doc
tor reappeared. He leaned down and
whispered to the captain.
Dead"
Quest turned around
Doctor" he said, II happen to have
my chemical chest with me, and some
special testing tubes. If you'll allow
me, I'd like to examine this cup Of
bouillon. You might come round, too,
if you will"
The captain nodded.
I'D better stay here for time" he
decided ''Tll follow you presently"
The service of dinner was resumed.
Laura, however, sent plate after plate
away. The captain watched her anx-
iously.
81 can't help it," she explained. 81
don't know whether you've had any
talk with Mr.. Quest, but we've been
through some queer times lately. |
guess this death business is getting
on my nerves"
The captain was startled.
"You don't for moment connect
Mrs. Foston Rowe's death with the
criminal you are in search OFF," he
exclaimed.
Laura sat quite still for a moment
The bouillon was offered first to
Mr. Quest" she murmured
The captain called his steward.
Where did you get the bouillon
from you served-that last cup, espe-
cially?' he asked.
From the pantry just as usual,
SIR" the man answered. at was all
served out from the same caldron."
ANY chance of anyone getting at
it?"
Quite impossible, sir"
In Quests stateroom the doctor,
the professor, Quest and Lenora were