“I do not know. But I read with great interest the interview, you gave the Globe on the effects and detection of various poisons.”
“Yes?” and young Dr. Baird rubbed his hands in delight, and stroked his still younger moustache.
“Yes. And I called to ask what poison or chemical symbol that might be.”
The colonel extended a paper on which was inscribed: 58 C. H.—161*
“That! Hum, why that is not a chemical symbol at all!” promptly declared Dr. Baird.
“Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
“Could it be some formula for poison?”
“It could not. Of course that is not to say it could not be some person's private memorandum for some combination of elements. C might stand for carbon and H for hydrogen. But that would not make a poison in the ordinary accepted meaning of the term. I am sure you are mistaken if you think that is a chemical symbol.”
“I am sure, also,” said the detective with a smile. “I just wanted your opinion, that is all. Then those letters and figures would mean nothing to you?”