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Rh suspicions of the Paris police became aroused and I was followed back here to London. Whereupon Otto closed the house, put up the board to let and fled to Germany. Then, when all suspicion had died down, he returned and lived in rooms in Camden Town, only visiting this place at night. For what reason you may guess."

"Men were enticed here, drugged and robbed," I said.

She nodded in the affirmative.

"Lionel Wray was not the only person who lost his life in this house, no doubt. A man who knew the exact dose of ergotonin, as this Otto did, must have practised upon other victims," I said.

"Then you know the drug?" exclaimed the old woman with a queer, harsh laugh. "You know something of drugs?"

"I do—perhaps as much as your friend Otto did."

"Then you will help me, Dr. More d'Escombe?" she said quickly. "Five thousand pounds to your bank on the day that young Ronald breathes his last."

I hesitated. She might so easily back out of her part of the bargain. My main object was a sum in advance.