“I don't know all de 'ticklers, Miss Viola, but I heah him say he got t' git a book on poisons.”
“A book on poisons?” and Viola started.
“Yes'm. He done want one fo' de case he's wukin' on, an' he can't git none at de library, so he go to N'York after one. I'se bringin' back his tackle. De fish didn't bite nohow, so he went away, de colonel did.”
“Oh!”
Viola stood irresolute a moment, and then turned back toward the house, Shag walking beside her.
CHAPTER XIV. THE PRIVATE SAFE
Divided as she was among several opinions, torn by doubts and sufferings from grief, Viola Carwell found distinct relief in a message that awaited her on her return to the house after her failure to find Colonel Ashley. The message, given her by a maid, was to the effect:
“The safe man has come.”
“The who?” asked Viola, not at first understanding.