There had certainly been nothing in Miss Russell’s manner that morning to arouse

suspicion. At least——

 

I remembered her persistent conversation on the subject of drug-taking and from

that she had led the conversation to poisons and poisoning.

 

But there was nothing in that. Ackroyd had not been poisoned. Still, it was

odd....

 

I heard Caroline’s voice, rather acid in note, calling from the top of the

stairs.

 

“James, you will be late for dinner.”

 

I put some coal on the fire and went upstairs obediently.

 

It is well at any price to have peace in the home.

 

CHAPTER XII

 

ROUND THE TABLE

 

A joint inquest was held on Monday.