The Vestibule Limited Mystery — page 54: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. 45 I reply in the affirmative. “Then I was not deceived. I thought such a thing occurred, and yet did not actually see it, judging only from their actions. Tell me, what was it?” “As near as I can judge a small vial.” “Good Heavens, man! then our worst suspicions are about to come true. They have doomed Robert Hammond.” : “You think it was poison?” “Tam sure of it, Craig. We cannot niford: 46 let this thing goon. You: must get possession of that bottle.” I rub my head. “By force, colonel?” “Try strategy first, but if necessary, give it all away to the young man. We will find some means_ to open his eyes, and [ think I can give you a pointer.” With which he tells me of a little plan whereby Hammond may receive ashock. I hke it at once, and agree with Acton that perhaps it is the best thing to be done. If luck favors us and keeps the little compart- ment empty, all will be well. We hope for the best, like the early settlers in New England, when threatened by the Indians “trusting in Providence, yet keeping our powder dry.” Acton returns to his place, and J take an observa- tion, which reveals the fact that the party are over _in my seat, while the porter makes up the berths in three. Presently, Andrews “omes into the lavatory to » wash his hands and take a night-cap before re- tiring. He passes a few pleasant words with me, and I realize that the man is a most accomplished €o comicbooks