ocedure that
I thought might lead to something."

"Can you?" she asked eagerly.

"I haven't finished yet. What I need most is a book on poisons-a
comprehensive chemistry would do, but I haven't been able to find one
around here," and he glanced at the books lining the library walls.
"Your father didn't go in for that sort of thing."

"No. But can't you send to New York for one?"

"I suppose I could--yes. I wonder if they might have one in the local
library?"

"I'm sure I don't know," and Viola leaned over to pick a thread from the
carpet. "I don't draw books from there. When it was first opened I took
out a card, but when I saw how unclean some of the volumes were I never
afterward patronized the place."

"Then you wouldn't know whether they had a book on poisons, or poison
plants or not?"

"I wouldn't in the least," she answered, as she arose. "As I said, I
don't believe I have been in the place more than twice, and that was two
years ago."

"Then I'll have to inquire myself," said the colonel, and he remained
standing while Viola left the room. And for some little time he stood
looking at the door as it closed after her. And on Colonel Ashley's face
there was a peculiar look.

LeGrand Blossom came to The Haven bearing a bundle of books and papers,
and with rather a wry face--for he had no heart for business of this
nature. Miss Mary Carwell sat down at the table with him and Viola.

"We want to know just where we stand financially," said Viola. "What is
the condition of my father's affairs, Mr. Blossom?"

The confidential clerk hesitated a moment before answering. Then he said
slowly:

"Well, the affairs are anything but good. There is a great deal of money
gone, and some of the securities left are pledged for loans."

"You mean my father spent a lot of money just before he died?" asked
Viola.

"He either spent it or--Well, yes, he must have spent it, for it is
gone. The car cost ten thousand, and he spent as much, if not more, on
the yacht."

"But they can be sold. I don't want either of them. I'm afraid in the
big car," said Viola, "and the yacht isn't seaworthy, I've heard. I
wouldn't take a trip in her."

"I don't know anything about that," said LeGrand Blossom. "But even
if the car and yacht were sold at a forced sale they would not bring
anything like what they cost. I have gone carefully over your father's
affairs, as you requested me, and I tell you frankly they are in bad
shape."

"Wh