roform?"

"She did, sir. Otherwise I would not have sold it to her. She said her
cat had been run over and she wished to put it out of its misery. Miss
Newton is so well known, and her character then was respectable----"

"I object," challenged Warren instantly.

"Objection sustained. Witness, do not indulge in reflections. Confine
yourself to answering the judge advocate's questions as briefly as
possible," ordered Colonel Andrews sternly.

"Yes, sir"--much abashed.

"Had the accused a bundle in her hand when she entered your store?"

"No, sir. I put the bottle of chloroform in an empty candy box for her
as she said it was awkward carrying a round bottle, and she feared she
would drop it."

"Indeed!" The judge advocate's satisfaction was apparent. "State the
exact time the accused was in your store."

"About a quarter to four, as far as I can remember. I did not enter the
sale in my books at the time because Miss Newton said she was in a
hurry."

"Have you any questions to ask the witness, Mr. Senator?" asked the
judge advocate. For answer Warren handed him a folded paper which he
read aloud: "Was that the first time you sold chloroform to Miss
Newton?"

"I can't say. It might have been. I do a large business," was the
evasive reply.

"Answer yes or no," thundered Colonel Andrews.

Cowed by the president's manner, Brown answered sullenly, "No."

"How many times have you sold her chloroform?" read Warren's next
question.

"At least three times."

"Since the new year?"

"Before and since; yes, sir."

"Did she state for what purpose she needed the drug?"

"Doctor John Boyd sent her to buy it for him when he was in a great
hurry. Doctor Boyd had a class of young ladies who were learning
first-aid to the injured, and Miss Newton acted as his assistant at the
clinics."

At the man's words Warren started as if stung. A horrible possibility
had occurred to him. Suppose Nancy had visited the doctor's office as
well as the drug store that afternoon! She was probably familiar with
every article in the doctor's office. Could she have known about the
curari? He passed his hand across his damp forehead; then turned to the
witness: "I have no further questions to ask you," and Brown beat a
hasty retreat.

The judge advocate completed his last entry in his book, laid down his
pen, and rose.

"The prosecution rests its case," he announced quietly.

After a brief consultation with Nancy and Dwight, Warren