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The phial was that already recognized by the che a few grains of a white crystalline powder, and labelled: "Strychnine Hydrochloride POISON"

A fresh piece of evidence discovered by the detectives since the police court proceedings was a long, al-paper It had been found in Mrs Inglethorp's cheque book, and on being reversed at aof which I die possessed I leave to" This placed beyond question the fact that the destroyed will had been in favour of the deceased lady's husband Japp then produced the charred fragrate, and this, with the discovery of the beard in the attic, completed his evidence

But Sir Ernest's cross-examination was yet to come

"What day was it when you searched the prisoner's room?"

"Tuesday, the 24th of July"

"Exactly a week after the tragedy?"

"Yes"

"You found these two objects, you say, in the chest of drawers Was the drawer unlocked?"

"Yes"

"Does it not strike you as unlikely that a man who had committed a crime should keep the evidence of it in an unlocked drawer for anyone to find?"

"He ht have stowed them there in a hurry"

"But you have just said it was a whole week since the crime He would have had ample time to remove them and destroy them"

"Perhaps"

"There is no perhaps about it Would he, or would he not have had plenty of time to remove and destroy them?"