Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-03-17
\ The Poisoner X

master. had acquired the ample fortune
which enabled him to purchase the
house and grounds of Merview and live
in comfort on the borders of the sea,
which he had loved from a boy.
AS he STROBE steadily down the high
road half way between the town and
his house. hanson went rapidly past
him. one quick glance showed him
seated in it a placid. dull-looking man.
whom he at once sat down as a com
merCial traveller. But the hanson pull
ed up sharply before it had got twenty
yards past. The dull-looking man leap
ed out like a schoolboy and ran back
toward him. calling his name.
Don't you know me. Jack? he cried
cordially. with hand outstretched. Il
knew you. at first sight"
Mr. Woodruff looked for a moment be-
wiidered then light dawned on HIM
Surely you cannot be little Paul
Beck?' he cried.
Little or great. I'm Paul Beck as
surely as you are John Woodrin-the
very same Paul Beck you saved from
many a beating at school when l was
a small boy and you were big one.
I'm heartily sorry, Jack, that our first
meeting again should be such sad
one"
You received my wire. them"
And your letter: both at the same
time. l was out of town when the wire
came or / should have been down for
the inquest. What was the verdict"
Accidental death
Mr.. Beck glanced at his face. and
what do you think, YOURSELF"
Il really don't know what to think.
Again Mr.. Beck looked at him keenly
and steadily. There is something else
besides grief troubling you. I'll send
the cab on to the house; we will talk
this thing out while we walk. 1 always
feel most alone where there are no
walls"
Now what is it7" asked Mr.. Beck
abruptly as they walked close to the
seas margin.
I'm afraid"
Afraid of what"
Il don't know of what of whom,
but I'm in deadly terror that my
daughter Milly-my only daughter
now-may be taken from me- Lefty is
not the first that has been poisoned
His voice broke.
Mr.. Beck took his arm Jack" he
said quietly, ''if 1 can help you, you
may be sure I will Things may seem
biacker to you than they really are.
Let me have the story straight of what
you know and what you fear
Its a long story, Paul. the iron
master answered.
The interval of years was forgotten
and the old schoolfellows dropped into
century before.
I'm in no hurry. Tell it your own
way. but tell the whole of it"
only year ago my eldest daugh-
ter Barbara died suddenly at school
in the south of Germany The telegram
announcing her death miscarried, and she
was buried before l arrived. The doctor
said it was heart disease. I didn't doubt
1t at the time: l had no reason to doubt
IL But now I'm sure she was poisoned
with morphia, as poor Lefty was poi
soned. 1t happened in the same way Babs
mad been quite we'll all the morning. and
breakfasted with the other girls. After
breakfast she went to her room to read
her letter from home An hour later
they found her huddled UP in an easv-
chair They thought her sleeping, but
she was dead"
Your daughter Lefty died in the same
way?''
Precisely. Her twin sister. Milfy, and
her cousin, Susan Warren, who is on a
visit with US. were at a young peoples
party at the other side of the town
and stayed overnight. Lefty insisted on
remaining at home with me We break
lasted together, and she was full of
NE and spirits. She was expecting a
letter from an old schoolfellow, and she
walked into town to meet the postnnan.