The Vestibule Limited Mystery — page 86: what you’re looking at

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

\ THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. v7 Another mystery confronts me—how came Robert Hammond in this condition, when, as I believe, I had removed all immediate danger from his path by inducing him to destroy the contents of that little vial? Vague fancies flash through my mind in the minute of time that I stand there, bending over the almost lifeless man. I wonder if this plotter across: the way, fearing lest the original plan might not turn out well, can have bent over Robert in the night and have given him some subtle poison to bring about this result? It does not seem plausible that he would dare risk discovery; but then [I cannot account for strange notions that may creep into my head at such a time. I have just backed out of the berth—a number of anxious, horror-stricken faces are peering in since the porter has removed the curtains—when a loud voice exclaims: “Stand back, please; I am a doctor!” Ah! it is Samuels. The Jew concerned in the game is now about to play his little part, according to the programme already arranged. I give way without a word, for I want to watch him, A glance around, as I note Acton’s absence, shows me that worthy in the seat with the nun. - Perhaps she—Robert’s sister—has fainted, and he has flown to her side. They seem to be eagerly talking now, however. I have no time to note more, ‘my attention being riveted upon Doctor Samuels. When he reaches the berth, he puts on a pair of glasses that give him even more of a learned look than ever.- Then he gravely bends over the still comicboo co cS