Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-11-05
The Scarab Murder Case
BY s. S. Van Dine Z
coDyrisht. 1880. by 5. 5. Van Dine.

| hands were ciasped behind him and his
head was projected forward.
Damn your various auntS" he
| growled, as he CAME abreast of Vance.
You're always calling on an aunt.
Haven't you any uncles?"
Vance opened his eyes and smiled
blandiy.
IT know how YOU feel" Despite the
| 1ightness of his tone there was unmis-
taxable sympathy in his words. mo
one is acting as he should In this case.
It's as funny cs If every one were in
conspiracy to confuse and complicate
matters for u.s.
That's just I'll" Markham fumed.
"On the other hand. there's something
in what the sergeant says Why should
BlisS--?"
"Too much theory, Markham old
dear" Vance interrupted. "Oh. much
too much theory too much
speculation too many futile
questions. There's key coming, and
! it'll explain everything. Our immedi-
ate task, 1t seems to me, is to find that
key"
'surel" Heath spoke with heavy
sarcasm Suppose / begin punching
the furniture with hatpins and ripping
Markham snapped his fingers i'm
patiently, and Heath subsidized.
Lets get down to earth" He re-
garded Vance with vindictive shrewd-
ness. You've got some pretty definite
idea; and all your maunderings couldn't
convince me to the contrary. What do
you suggest We do next?. Interview
Salveter?"
Precisely" Vance nodded with un-
fits conspicuously into the picture: and
his presence on the tapis now is, as the
medicos say. indicated"
Markham made a sign to Heath, who
Immediately rose and went to the draw
ing room door and beloved I'D the
staircase.
"Hennessey! Bring that c,,v
down here. We got business with him"
"A lew moments later Salveter was
pnoted into the room. His eyes were
flashing, and he planted himself ag-
gressively before Vance, examining his
hands violently into his trousers
pockets.
Vance yawned deliberately and in
spected the newcomer with bored ex-
preston.
Don't be so virile, Mr.. salyeter," he
drawled. We're all worn out with this
depressin' case, and simply can't en-
dure any more vim and vigor. Sit down
and let the joints go free AS for
the manacles, Sergt. Heath has 'em
BEAUTIFULLY polished. Would you like to
Maybe" salveter returned. watch
ing Vance calculatingly. What did
you say to Meryt-to Mrs. Bliss?"
II gave her one Of my Regies," Vance
told him carelessly. Most appreciative
for one your" yourselfp I've two oui let's you care
"Thanks-I smoke Deities."
Ever din 'efn IN fY,itiy,n Uanno
asked dulcetly.
Opium"
THE concrete juice of the poppy, so
to speak-obtained from Sits In the |
cortex Of the capsule of Papaver somni- /
forum. Greek word: opium-to wit: |
omicron, pi iota, omicron, nu."
Nor SalvFter sat down suddenly |
and shifted his gaze. What's the |
idea?"
There seems to be an abundance of |
opium in the house, don't y know"
"Oh, Is there?" The man looked up /
warily.
Didn't you known" Vance selected |
one Of his two remaining cigarettes |
I'VE thought you and Mr.. ScSrlett had |
charge Of the medical supplies
Salveter started and remained silent |
for several moments.
did Meryt-Amen tell you thats" he
asked finally
rs It true2" There was a new note
in Vance's voice.
I'm way" the other admitted. DIR.
Bliss"
What about the opium" Vance
leaned forward.
"Oh, there has always been opium In |
the cabinet upstairs-nearly q canful." |
Have you had It In your room |
lately?"
mo yes u
Thanks awfully. We take our choice |
Of answers, what?"
CTo be continued.)