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Page 17
I need not weary you by further narrating what occurred at this
official examination. Suffice it to say that, with one or two minor
exceptions, Osborne and Allen followed the precise course of
reasoning prophesied by Maitland, and, as for M. Godin, he
courteously, but firmly, held his peace. The two officers did not,
however, lean as strongly to the theory that death resulted from
natural causes as Maitland had anticipated, and, I think, this surprised
him. He had already told them that he expected to be able to show
death to have resulted from poison hypodermically applied, and, as
I overheard a remark made by Osborne to Allen, I readily understood
their speedy abandonment of their natural-death theory. They were
engaged in verifying Maitland's measurement of the east side of the
room when Osborne said softly to his companion: "He has figured in
several of my cases as a chemical expert, and when he expresses an
opinion on a matter it's about the same as proved. He's not the
kind that jumps in the dark. He's a lawyer as well as chemist and
knows what's evidence, so I reckon we'd better see if we can make
anything out of the suicide and murder theories."
Maitland had asked them to send to the station for a woman to search
Gwen and she had just arrived. We all requested that a most
thorough examination should now be made to assure the officers that
no one of us possessed the missing weapon. This done, the officers
and departed for the night, assuring Gwen that there was
nothing further to be done till morning, and Osborne, doubtless with
a view to consoling her, said: "It may be a relief to you, miss,
to know that there is scarcely a doubt that your father took his
own life." This had an effect upon Gwen very different from that
which had been intended. Her face contracted, and it was plain to
see she was beginning to think everyone was determined to force a
falsehood upon her. Herne and Browne also prepared to take their
leave. A glance from Maitland told me he wished me to remain with
him a moment after the others had departed, and I accordingly did so.
When we were alone with Gwen he said to her: "I think I understand
your feeling with regard to Mr. Osborne's remark, as well as your
conviction that it does not represent the truth. I foresaw they
would come to this conclusion, and know very well the pains they
will take to prove their hypothesis." "Can nothing be done?" she
asked beseechingly. "It is that of which I wish to speak," he
replied. "If you have sufficient confidence in me to place the
case in my hands, I will do everything in my power to establish
the truth,--on one condition," and he glanced at her face, now
pale and rigid from her long-continued effort of self-control.
"And that condition is?" she said quickly. "That you follow my
directions and permit me to order your movements in all things, so
long as the case remains in my hands; if at any time I seek to
abuse your faith, you are as free to discharge me as if I were a
paid detective." Gwen looked searchingly at him; then, extending
her hand to him, she said impulsively: "You are very kind; I
accept the condition. What shall I do?"
I tried to catch Maitland's eye to tell him what he should counsel
her, but a man with his ability to observe conditions and grasp
situations can very well do without prompting. "First," he said,
"you must return home with the Doctor and spend the rest of the
night with his sister; I shall stay here until morning; and second,
I desire that you use your utmost endeavour to keep the incidents
of this evening out of your mind. You cannot, of course, forget
your loss, unless you sleep,"--and he gave me a look which said:
"I depend on you to see to that,"--"but you must not continually
re-enact the scene in imagination, In the morning the Doctor will
come here to bring me my camera, microscope, and a few things I
shall require "--and he passed me a list he had written. "If you
have slept well you can be of considerable service, and may
accompany him--if not, you must remain quietly at his house."
With this he turned to me, and said: "She is making a condenser of
herself, Doctor, and will soon break through the insulation. Sparks
will be dangerous--you must secure the brush effect." He spoke
quickly, and used electrical terms, that she might not understand
him, but either he failed of his purpose, or the observation she
immediately made was a strange coincidence. I believe she
understood, for, while young women educated by their mothers are
usually ignorant upon all the more masculine subjects, those who
have long been their father's companions are ever prone to startle
one with the most unexpected flashes of intelligence. "I am in
rather a high state of tension now," she said, turning calmly to
Maitland; "but when alone the expression which has been denied me
here will afford relief." Maitland glanced at her quickly, and
then at me, and I knew he was wondering if she had understood.
Then he said: "It is getting late. I shall expect you to sleep
well and to come in the morning. Please say to the servants as
you go that I shall stay here all night, and that no one must enter
without permission. Good-night." She held out her hand to him,
but made no reply; then she fervently kissed her father's lips,
and together we left the chamber of death.
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