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278 aside as of small moment, "yesterday you diagnosed Miss Chalmers's case as ordinary stomachache, I believe; instead she is suffering from what is thought to be arsenical poisoning, given with criminal intent. Her life and your professional reputation are at stake—"

"Impossible!" the physician gasped. "Who would attempt such a dastardly—"

"The same person who has already murdered two of her family and tried to kill two more," Odell interrupted. "Think for yourself, Doctor. What are the symptoms of white-arsenic poisoning? Do they differ in any way from those Miss Chalmers exhibited yesterday?"

"This—this is frightful!" The physician put a shaking hand to his head. "If this is true my reputation is indeed at stake; but I never thought, I never dreamed of further foul play. Who is it, Sergeant? Who is keeping up these fearful attacks upon the family?"

"I mean to find that out before another day passes, Doctor, and I count upon your help," Odell replied earnestly. "I must ask you to follow my directions absolutely or you will be refused admittance to the house."

"Sir!" Doctor Adams drew himself up indignantly. "The young lady has been my patient since her birth—"

"And she would have been murdered before your eyes, as her mother was, if I had not interfered," retorted Odell sternly. "I am willing to protect you in this matter and give you the credit of discovering her true condition, if you obey my instructions; if not, a police doctor will take your place, and your diagnosis of yesterday will be given the publicity it deserves."