Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-05-15
u.Hn CAVE THE POISnNc

Though Fleming Stones acumen
n quick perception had led to a
swift apprehension of Bates, his next
steps were not taken so rapidly. He
spent much time in the boudoir OF
Miss Darlington. as if striving to
make the walls tell what their tradi-
tional ears had heard.
The upset breakfast tray had been
removed, but nothing else disturbed.
Estelle had owned UP, after Bates ar
rest, that she did drop the tray. in
her fright at the sight Of the dead
lady. and that she 'afterward denied
it lest she be suspected of wrong-do7
ing.
The plate that had contained sand
but the glass of milk. with bromide
in, had been carried away.
Stone looked at the empty plate,
and wondered. Had the poison been
placed in the sandwiches? BY Es-
telle? BY anybody else? Who had
had opportunity? Estelle had brought
the sandwiches and milk. to the bed
room, according to. her usual custom.
when she prepared the=bed for the
beside the plate. Stone looked at st.
A mere wisp Of fine linen, with Il
monogrammed corner. The few
wrinkles in it showed clearly TO
stones sharp eyes the dainty touch
of fingers that had held the. caviare
sandwich. It undoubtedly denoted
that Miss Darlington had eaten the
sandwich. Had any n merely re-
moved it, the napkin would have been
increased. He had been told that she
rarely ate this night luncheon.
though it was always placed for her.
Why had she partaken of it on that
particular night? Had some one sad-
vised her to? Or urged it? Had the
Count really visited her in the bou-
doir, and having previously arranged
the poisoned sandwich. made sure
that it would perform its deadly mis-
sion? Could he have entered the
room unknown to the rest OF the
household?
Stone went to the window. Yes,
that matter was easy enough. A bal
cony outside the long French window
was connected with the lower veran-
dab by a spiral staircase. Any one
jcould run up the steps and be admit
ted to the boudoir in perfect secrecy
Stone wondered for a moment why
Bates hadn't entered that way, and
quickly realized that for a marauder
frightened Miss Darlington. and caus-
ed an outcry. The entrance of the
Count. however, whether expected or
not. would he easily effected.
If the Count were really guilty. the
circumstances were all e~xplicab1e.
Suppose Miss Darlington had made
the appointment. Would she not, in
her vanity. have d0nhed the beautiful
boudoir gown and the Jewels to ap-
posing she hadtplayfuily caught his
glove as he removed 1t, and had half
unconsciously continued to hold it.
Then the conversation alleged to have
been overheard by Miss &Frayne would
have been addressed to him, and the
remarks would be, at least, inteIligi-
bic.
The shaker. All, yes, the snake. A.
to that there was no hint. no clue OF
inexplicabie, that theR, explanation
must be easy. Aaclue so strange, so
bizarre, must lead somewhere. That
could >be left to the future. Now, he
must decide on his first steps.
The decision took him tb.call on
Doctor stanton. and the physician
welcomed him warmly.
Glad to e you, Mr.. stone" he
said; sit down, sir, sit down. I've
since / heard Of your arrival. 50
you've ferreted out the burglar al.
ready! Great work, great work in
deed! And snows1ors the sreal murder.
er..You ee. sir: I'm up1to the minute
in my information regarding Thu
Ecase.p
"Glad. to know It. returned Stone
Now. Doctor stanton,aI hope you can
help me. don't mind admitting the
burglar was easily traced. and easily
i htanoaoN ~ iH Tine proafa WnPk q =. vnsi