"The count apparently died from an attack of
apoplexy, but certain poisons produce similar and even identical
symptoms which are apt to deceive the most experienced medical
men. The persistent efforts of the count's intellect, his
muscular rigidity alternating with utter relaxation, the dilation
of the pupils of his eyes, and more than aught else the violence
of his last convulsions, have led me to ask myself if some
criminal had not hastened his end."
Whiter than his shirt, and trembling like a leaf, M. Wilkie sprang
from his chair. "I understand!" he exclaimed. "The count was
murdered--poisoned."
But the physician replied with an energetic protest. "Oh, not so
fast!" said he. "Don't mistake my conjectures for assertions.
Still, I ought not to conceal the circumstances which awakened my
suspicions. On the morning preceding his attack, the count took
two spoonfuls of the contents of a vial which the people in charge
could not or would not produce. When I asked what this vial
contained, the answer was: 'A medicine to prevent apoplexy.' I
don't say that this is false, but prove it. As for the motive
that led to the crime, it is apparent at once. The escritoire
contained two millions of francs, and the money has disappeared.
Show me the vial, find the money, and I will admit that I am
wrong. But until then, I shall have my suspicions.
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