New Britain herald., 1923-12-15
NOW GO ON WITH THE STORY

Co ahead" said Doctor McMur- doch and, turning to the side table, he poured out two liberal portions Of whiskey. If there's anything I can do to help. count me at your service. You tell me he had fears about little Phil?"
 "He had answered Harley, and 1t is maddening to think that he died before he could acquaint me with their nature. But l have hopes that you can help mo in this. For in- stance"-again he fixed his gaze upon the gloomy face of the physician who is the distinguished Oriental gentleman with whom Sir Charles had recently become acquainted?"
 Doctor McMurdoch's expression re- mained utterly blank. and he slowly shook his head. T haven't an idea Tn the world" he declared "A patient perhaps"
 Possibly" said Harley, conscious Of some disappointment; yet from the way he spoke Of him I scarcely think that he was a patient. Surely Sir Charles, having resided so long in India, numbered several Orientals hiholS ms dSqudluluHSeo II ho1 dhlplE his friends?"
 None ever came to his home" replied Doctor McMurdoch. "He had all the Anglo-Indian's prejudice against men Of color" He rested his massive chin in his hand and stared down refectivey at the carpet.
 Again Harley found himself at a deadlock, and it was with scanty hope Of success that he put his next question to the gloomy Scot. Was Sir Charles q friend Of Mir. Nieol Brinn?" he asked.
 "Nicol Brinn?" echoed the physi- elan. He looked perplexed. You mean the American millionaire? I believe they were acquainted, Ab- hg1on knew most Of the extraordi- nary people in London; and 1T half one hears is true Nicol Brinn is as mad as q natter. But they were not Ia any sense friends as far as I
 now." He was watching Harley seriously. Why do you ask that 2 lpEiion2"
 "l will tell you in n moment" said Laslcl, rapidly. but I have ono more question to put 10 you first. Does tic term l'ire-Tongue convey anything to your mind2"
 Doctor McMurdoch's eyebrows shot upward most amazingly ''f won't insult you by supposing that you have chosen such time for joking" he said, dourly.
 Harley's manner was almost fierce. When I tell you why ask these | Ia Eu understanding that my words arc to be treated in the strictest confidence you may regard the matter in a new light. 'Nicol Brinn' and Fire Tongue were the last words which Sir Charles Abingdon uttered"
 X short silence ensued, during which Doctor McMurdoch sat staring mood. fly down at tho carpet and Harley slowly paced up and down the room; then:
 "1n view of the fact" he said, suddenly. that Sir Charles clearly apprehended an attempt upon his life. are you satisfied professionally that death was due to natural causes?'
 Perfectly satisfied" replied the physician, looking up with a start: "perfectly satisfied. IL was unex- pscted, Of course, but such cases are by no means unusual. He was for nerly a keen athlete, remember. 'Tis often so. Surely you don't suspect foul play? I understood you 10 mean that his apprehcnsions were on behalf Of Phil"
 Paul Harley stood still. staring meditativeiy in the others direction There Is not scrap Of evidence to support such theory" he admitted. but if you knew or tho existence of any poisonous agent which would produce effects stimulating these fa- iniIiar symptoms. should be tempted to take certain steps.
 What had he eaten s-'