Загадочное происшествие в Стайлзе

           Inglethorppickedupthebrokencupandplaceditonthetablebythebed.Feelinginneedofastimulantofsomekind,sheheateduphercocoa,anddrankitoffthenandthere.Nowwearefacedwithanewproblem.Weknowthecocoacontainednostrychnine.Thecoffeewasneverdrunk.Yetthestrychninemusthavebeenadministeredbetweensevenandnineo’clockthatevening.Whatthirdmediumwasthere—amediumsosuitablefordisguisingthetasteofstrychninethatitisextraordinarynoonehasthoughtofit?”Poirotlookedroundtheroom,andthenansweredhimselfimpressively.“Hermedicine!”

           “Doyoumeanthatthemurdererintroducedthestrychnineintohertonic?”Icried.

           “Therewasnoneedtointroduceit.Itwasalreadythere—inthemixture.ThestrychninethatkilledMrs.InglethorpwastheidenticalstrychnineprescribedbyDr.Wilkins.Tomakethatcleartoyou,IwillreadyouanextractfromabookondispensingwhichIfoundintheDispensaryoftheRedCrossHospitalatTadminster:

           “‘Thefollowingprescriptionhasbecomefamousintextbooks:

           StrychninaeSulph...... 1gr.

           PotassBromide....... 3vi

           Aquaad............. 3viii

           FiatMistura

           Thissolutiondepositsinafewhoursthegreaterpartofthestrychninesaltasaninsolublebromideintransparentcrystals.AladyinEnglandlostherlifebytakingasimilarmixture:theprecipitatedstrychninecollectedatthebottom,andintakingthelastdosesheswallowednearlyallofit!

           “Nowtherewas,ofcourse,nobromideinDr.