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Chapter VI. The Inquest
“Isitpossiblethatshecouldhaveswallowedthepoisonbyaccident?”askedtheCoroner.
“Ishouldconsideritveryunlikely.Strychnineisnotusedfordomesticpurposes,assomepoisonsare,andtherearerestrictionsplacedonitssale.”
“Doesanythinginyourexaminationleadyoutodeterminehowthepoisonwasadministered?”
“No.”
“YouarrivedatStylesbeforeDr.Wilkins,Ibelieve?”
“Thatisso.Themotormetmejustoutsidethelodgegates,andIhurriedthereasfastasIcould.”
“Willyourelatetousexactlywhathappenednext?”
“IenteredMrs.Inglethorp’sroom.Shewasatthatmomentinatypicaltetanicconvulsion.Sheturnedtowardsme,andgaspedout:‘Alfred—Alfred——’”
“CouldthestrychninehavebeenadministeredinMrs.Inglethorp’safter-dinnercoffeewhichwastakentoherbyherhusband?”
“Possibly,butstrychnineisafairlyrapiddruginitsaction.Thesymptomsappearfromonetotwohoursafterithasbeenswallowed.Itisretardedundercertainconditions,noneofwhich,however,appeartohavebeenpresentinthiscase.IpresumeMrs.Inglethorptookthecoffeeafterdinnerabouteighto’clock,whereasthesymptomsdidnotmanifestthemselvesuntiltheearlyhoursofthemorning,which,onthefaceofit,pointstothedrughavingbeentakenmuchlaterintheevening.”
“Mrs.Inglethorpwasinthehabitofdrinkingacupofcocoainthemiddleofthenight.
