The Tabor independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1913-19??, 1919-03-13
XIV.
WHO GAVE THE PoIsoNi

- NEnH.r .I
Though Fleming Stones sca-
men and 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 traditional ears
had heard.
The upset breakfast tray had
been removed, but nothing else
disturbed. Estelie had owned up,
after Bates arrest, 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 wrongdoing.
The plate that had contained
sandwiches was still on the bed
side table, 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 sandwichesf
By anybody elsei Who had had
opportunity Estelle had brought
the sandwiches and milk to the
bedroom, according to her usual
custom, when she prepared the
bed for the night. A tiny seryiette
had been over the sandwiches, and
was still there beside the plate.
Stone looked at it. A mere wisp
of fine linen, with a monogrammed
corner. The few wrinkles in it
showed clearly to Stones sharp
eyes, the dainty touch Of fingers
that had held the caviarre sand
wich. 1t undoubtedly denoted
that Miss Darlington had eaten
the sandwich. Had any n merely
removed it, the napkin would have
been INCREASED He had been told
that she rsr3ly ate this night
luncheon, though it was always
placed for her. Why had she par
taken of it on that particular
night Had some one advised her
TOT Or urged it, Had the Count
really visited her in the boudoir
and, having previously arranged.
the poisoned sandwiches, made
sure that it would perform its
deadly missionR Could he have
entered the room unknown to the
rest of the household3
Stone went to the window. Yes,
that matter was easy enough. A
balcony outside the long French
window was connected with the
lower veranda by a spiral stair
case. Any one could run up the
steps and be admitted to the bou-
doir in perfect secrecy. Stone
wondered for a moment why Bates
hadn't entered that way, and
quickly realized that for a marau-
der to appear at the window would
have frightened Miss Darlington
and caused an outcry. The en-
trance of the Count, however,
whether expected or not, would
be easily effected.
If the Count were really guilty,
the circumstances were all explic-
able. Suppose Miss Darlington
had made the appointment. Would
she not, in her vanity, have donned
the beautiful boudoir gown and
the jewels to appear attractive
in his eyes7 And, supposing she
had playfully caught his glove as
he removed it, and had half un-
consciously continued to hold it.
Then the conversation alleged to
have been overheard by Miss
Frayne would have been adj
dressed to him, and the remarks
would be, at least, ineligible.
The snake3 All, yes, the snake.
AS to that there was no hint, no
clue of any sort. But then, the
thing was SO in~explieable that the
explanation must be easy. A clue
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 to call
on DR.. Stanton, and the physician
welcomed him warmly.
"Glad to see you, Mr.. Stone,"
he said; sit down, sir, sit down.
I've been wanting a talk with you
ever since l heard of your arrival.
So you've ferreted out the burglar
already Great work, great work
indeed! And now for the real
murderer. You see, sir, I'm up to
the minute in my information re.
garding this case" as
"Glad to know it," returned
Stone. CHOW, DR.. Stanton, I hope
you can help me. ! don't mind
admitting the thing has it's baf-
fling aspects. The burglar was
easily traced, and easily disposed
Of, The real work, as you say, is
inst beginning. Will YOU, sir, tell