The Southern herald., 1915-09-24

Poe put in softly, adding in a casual
tone, Have they found yet what kind
Of poison was used?"
"Poison!" Miss Riggs jumped to her
feet, drew her arms down taut in an
effort at self-control, her face went
dead white, and she glanced quickly
from Mrs. Groves to Poe, both watch
ing her keenly.
We'll, what kind Of poison do they
think it was, and who do you think did
it?' she asked in a dry voice, each
word an effort.
"oh, it hasn't gone that far" said
the banker in a concerned tone. 81
learned Of 1t from friend, and stopped
to see Doctor Robinson before l came
here. He was making a test of
the blood; said as far as he'd gone all
indications pointed to prussic acid"
"Prussic acid!" cried Miss Riggs,
and Mrs. Groves lowered closer, look
ing from enc to the other with awed,
hollow eyes.
Eyes, three grains of which, less
than drop absorbed by the blood will
cause death" said Poe calmly, his eyes
on the carpet, though he saw Miss
Riggs glance furtively at Mrs. Groves
and her expression grow hard.
Then Miss Moquin disliked being
cut out of the will?" She forced a
laugh.
You mean you think She"
Either Miss Moquin or his nurse" "
She pointed an unsteady finger at Mrs.
Groves.
"Oh, I'm sure you're quite too
wrought up by the announcement l
made: should have been more
thoughtful" There was shrewdness in
Poe's tone.
Mrs. Groves put timid hand on his
arm, and asked tremulously:
''Who do you think did it, Mr.. Poe?'
my dear lady, only wish l knew"
said Poe vibrantly, adding, I'VE all
wish we knew, don't we, Miss Riggs?''
She replied sullenly:
Il don't care who pois-how Boudi
not died, only If that little French
manicure did it it would confirm my
opinion of her."
Where is her placer" asked Poe
casually. "Is she near here?"
ASK Mrs. Groves she generally
wheeled him there" said Miss Riggs
evaslvely, dropping her eyes sullenly
as Poe looked at her.
mot two blocks away, just at the
corner, on Broadway" replied Mrs
Groves with eager promptness.
Poe picked up his hat, saying, IF
can do anything, you will feel free tC
call on me, won't you, Miss Riggs"
The pinch-nosed, aristocratic woman
rose, and fixed her beadlike eyes or
him.
There won't be anything" she sale
decidedly. "Boudinot will be buried al
once, and l shall take my money ant
go to Europe to live the rest of my
life"
Il hope you may" said the banker
bowling.
why shouldn't II"
"Oh, the state might make in
quiries," he turned to explain, that is
If Boudinot was really poisoned. Tha
might detain you"
81 don't see how they could detail
mel" she cried. why, l wasn't ever
here when he died"
''But you hadn't left home more thar
an hour or so before; when the STATE
makes an inquiry, it is apt to want tt
keep track Of everybody immediatel!
concerned, but hope if there is an in
vestigation it will not trouble eithe
you or Mrs. Groves"
AS he stepped into the hall, Mrs
Groves hovered solicitously near, ant
asked in an awed whisper:
would you like to see the body?"
mot now; later, if I-still, rathe
think l would" Christopher Po
changed his mind abruptly, and steI
ped into the room.
AS Doctor Robinson had already toll
him, there was not a single bodily in
dication Of how Boudinot Riggs ha,
died; not a bruise, not a scratch
While Mrs. Groves answered a call t
another part Of the house, Poe mad
hasty but minute examination of tn
exposed skin, finding but little Of
which to base vague theory formin
in his mind.
Then, worried look expressing Il
self in the two thoughtful groove
joining his nostrils with the corners o
his lips, he left the house abruptly
and crossed to Broadway, where, fror
booth in a corner drug store, h
= called up his friend Doctor Robinson
with whom he sometimes worked.
Hello this is Poe" he said, on gel
ting the doctor at the other end of tn
wire. Found out for sure?"
"Yes, no doubt at all. Dilute hydro
i cyanio acid. | used the ammonia-fel
rous sulphate test Probably not NOR
than three grains absorbed, | shoul
say" came the answer.
DO you think he drank it?"
/ mo. There was no odor of it abou
his mouth, but the blood shows it.
, can't imagine how it was introduced
There wasn't a scratch on his body, a
I told you"
: Delay reporting it for two hourl
will you? 1t may save some trouble
t several people,
"on your say-so, Of course, POI
: Got anything to work on?"
,...,nk .. a.. -.