第8章

"Jimmie will be justified," she declared stoutly."Has the coroner held the autopsy yet, Dr.Stone?""Autopsy!" McIntyre spoke with sharp abruptness."I thought it was clearly established that Jimmie died from angina pectoris?""It is so believed," responded Stone.His mystification was growing;had not Helen informed her father of the scene which had transpired at the police court, and of her request to the coroner? "Iunderstand the post-mortem examination will be made this afternoon, Helen."A heavy paper knife, nicely balanced between McIntyre's well manicured fingers, dropped to the floor as a step sounded behind him and the butler, Grimes, stopped by his side.

"Mr.Rochester just telephoned that his partner, Mr.Harry Kent, is out of town, Miss" - bowing to the silent girl.Grimes always contented himself with addressing his "young ladies" by the simple prefix "Miss," and never added their given names, because, as he expressed it, "them twins are alike as two peas, and which is which, I dunno." Considering himself one of the family from his long service with Colonel McIntyre, he kept a watchful eye on the twins, but their pranks in childhood had often exasperated him into giving notice, which he generally found it convenient to forget when the first of a new month came around.

"Mr.Kent will be back to-morrow," added the butler, as silence followed the delivery of his message."Mr.Rochester wishes to know if he can transact any business for you.""Please thank him and say no." The girl's color rose as she caught her father's disapproving look.The colonel waited until the butler had disappeared before addressing her.

"Why did you send for Harry Kent?" he questioned."You know I do not approve of his attentions to Barbara.Rochester is well enough -""Speaking of Rochester "- Mrs.Brewster saw the gathering storm clouds in the girl's expressive eyes, and broke hastily into the conversation."I see by the paper, Cousin Amos" - she turned so as to face Dr.Stone -" that Mr.Rochester declared positively that Jimmie Turnbull died from angina pectoris.""What's Philip's opinion worth?" The young girl smiled disdainfully.

"Philip seems to think that having shared an apartment with Jimmie, gives him intimate knowledge of Jimmie's health.Philip is not a medical man.""No," acknowledged her father."But here is a medical man who was on the spot when Jimmie died.What's your opinion, Stone?"Stone, suddenly conscious of the keen attention of his companions, spoke slowly as was his wont when making a serious statement.

"Rochester's contention that Jimmie died from angina pectoris would seem borne out by what transpired," he said."Undoubtedly Jimmie felt an attack coming on and used the customary remedy to relieve it -""And what was that remedy?" questioned Mrs.Brewster swiftly.

"Amy1 nitrite." Stone spoke with decision."I could detect its presence by the fruity, pleasant odor which always accompanies the drug's use.""Ah!" The exclamation slipped from Mrs.Brewster."Is the drug administered in water?""No, it is inhaled - take care, you have dropped your handkerchief."Stone pulled himself up short in his speech, and bent over but the young girl was too quick for him, and stooped first to pick up her handkerchief.

As she raised her head Stone caught sight of the tiny mole under the lobe of her left ear.It was the one mark which distinguished Barbara from her twin sister.Colonel McIntyre had addressed his daughter as Helen, and she had not undeceived him - Why? The perplexed physician gave up the problem.

"The drug," he went on to explain, "amyl nitrite comes in pearl capsules and is crushed in a handkerchief and the fumes inhaled."Mrs.Brewster leaned forward suddenly."Would that cause death?"she asked.

Stone shook his head in denial."Not the customary dose of three minims," he answered, and turning, found that Barbara had stolen from the room.