“‘“The poor child has been murdered, as sure as God is on His throne.”
“‘“Merciful Heavens! Doctor Plaxico, don’t tell me that!” exclaimed Doctor Dodson, as he staggered to a sofa.
“‘“I tell you the truth, and nothing but what I know to be truth! Would to Heaven it were not so, but the evidence is overwhelming. That boy died from the effects of poison administered to him by some one in this very house, this very night; I know what I say, and mean what I assert.”
“‘“Stop, Plaxico! stop, I implore you; you don’t know what you are saying; you have been taking over-much wine.”
“‘“No, you are wrong there! not a drop have I tasted within the last twenty-four hours; my brain was never more clear than it is this moment; and again I tell you the child has been murdered!”
“‘“Don’t say _murder_! it takes malice to constitute murder; who could bear malice against an innocent little boy like him?”
“‘“Does the highwayman bear malice against the poor traveler when he kills him for his money?”
“‘“But who gets any money by the death of this poor child?”
“‘“The very one who administered the death-dealing drug.”
“‘”’Tis untrue! and who utters it is an idiot!”
“‘“Keep calm, Doctor Dodson, I beseech you; I can forgive your strong language, knowing, as I do, that you will soon be sorry for having used it; but you will be of my opinion as to this case before long. We must make an autopsy, and then you will doubtless be convinced that the child has been dosed to death with poison.”
“‘Doctor Dodson leaned back on the sofa, buried his face in his hands and groaned. After remaining silent for a long time, endeavoring to collect his thoughts, he said:
“‘“What evidence have you that causes you to conclude the child has been poisoned?”
“‘“Having seen several persons die from its effects, and seeing the boy die from it this very night. I knew it was poison as soon as I arrived, and might have saved him if I had been here an hour sooner; but it was too late when I came.”
“‘“No, no! not by any means; I have found something which I guess will startle you when you see it; look at that and tell me if you know what it is?”
“‘“Of course--that is a small phial of strychnine; but what does that signify; will you please tell me?”