The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1924-01-02
CHAPTER XVI
The Orchid of Sleep


himself unable to determine, its per
fume, if it ever possessed any, hav-
ing disappeared. And the minute
quantity obtainable from the linen
rendered ordinary tests difficult I'd
apply. The analysts report, how
ever. concluded as follows:
Mr.. Harley, having foreseen these
difficulties, and having apparently
| suspected that the oil was of ORR
entail origin, recommended me, in the
note which he inclosed with the
serviette, to confer with Dr. War
wick Grey. I send a copy of a highly
| interesting letter which I have re-
| ceived from Doctor Grey, whose
knowledge of Eastern poison is I'M
paralleled. and to whose opinion I
attach immense Importance"
| 1t was the contents of this append
ed letter which had inspired lines
remarks. Indeed it contained mat
ter which triumphantly established
Paul Harley's theory that Sir Charles
Abingdon had not died from natural
/ causes. The letter was as follows:
No. - Harley St,
London, w. l.
My Dear Merton:
I am indebted to you and to Mr.
Harley for an opportunity of exam
lining the serviette, which I return
herewith. I agree that the oil does
not respond to ordinary tests. nor is
any smell perceptible. But you have
noticed in your miscropic examina-
D of ha Or oil hot ic
cUliar crystalline formation upon the
surface. You state that this is quite
unfamiliar to you. which is not at
} all strange. since outside of the Him
| alayan districts of Northwest India
have never met with it myself.
| Respecting the character Of the oil
| employed, however. [ am in no doubt.
and l actually possess a dried speci-
men of the flower from which it is
expressed. This is POLITICALLY known
/ among the Managers. one of the fight
ing tribes Of Nepal, as the Bloom or
/ Orchid OF Sleep
II IS found upon the lower HimaIa-
/ yam slopes. and bears a close resetn-
| blance to the white odontoglossum
/ of commerce. except that the flower
/ Is much smaller. It's perfume at
tracts insects and sometimes small
animals and reptiles although in
halation seems to induce instant
death 1t may be detected I'm its nat
ural state by the presence of hun
dreds Of dead flies and insects upon
the ground surrounding the plant
1t is especially fatal to nocturnal in.
sects. its perfume being stronger at
night
Preparation of the oil is an art De
cuiiar to members Of a nobscure sect
established in that district. by whom
it is said to be employed for the re
moval of enemies.
An article is sprinkled with it, and
whilst the perfume, which is report
ed to resemble that of cloves. remains
perceptible, to inhale it results in i'm
mediate syncope, although by what
physiological process I have never
been enabled to determine.
With the zone exception which
have mentioned, during my stay in
Nepai and the surrounding districts
L failed TO obtain a specimen of this
orchid I have twice seen the Curl
Gus purple stain upon articles of cloth
ing worn by natives who had died sud-
denly and mysteriously. The Mangars
simply say, He has offended some
one. 1t is the flower Of sleep"
l Immediately recognized the color
/ Of the stains upon the enclosed servi-
cite and also the curious crystalline
formation on their surface. The iden-
/ tity Of the someone" to whom the
/ Managers refer, I never established
/ shall welcome any particulars re-
specting the history Of the serviette
Very truly yours.
Warwick Grey.
"Sir Charles Abingdon was moi
soned, said Wessex in a hushed voice.
For the girls sake 7 hate the idea.
but we shall have to get an exhuma-
ton order"
1T Is impossible" returned lines
shortly. He was cremated."
Wearing a very gloomy expression.
the detective inspector proceeded on
foot to New Scotland Yard, and being
informed on his arrival upstairs that
the Assistant Commissioner was ex-
pecting him, he entered the office of
| that great man.
The Assistant Commissioner, who
| had palpably seen military service.
was a big man with very tired eyes,
and a quiet, almost apolegetic man
ner.
"Ah, Detective Inspector" he said,
as Wessex entered. IT wanted to
see you about this business Of Mr..
Nicol Brinn."
Yes sir" replied wessex; mat
urally"
NOW" the Assistant Commits
sioner turned YEARLY in his chair,
and glanced up at his subordinate
your accepting the parole of a sus-
pect, under the circumstances, was
officially improper but am not
blaming you for a moment, Mr.. Nicol
Brinn's well-known reputation justi-
fled your behavior" He laid one
large hand firmly on the table.
Mr.. NicoI Brinn's absence alters
the matter entirely"
''I am well aware of it." murmured
the inspector.
Although continued the Asst
sistant Commissioner, Mr.. Brinn' 5
record leads me to believe that he
win have some suitable explanation
to offer. his behavior, you viii ad-
NIT, is that of a guilty MANI"
'Tt is, sir; it certainly is."s
The press. Fortunately, has
learned nothing OF this unpleasant