“Perhaps not an irritant,” he agreed. “Though I know of no neurotic that would produce such effects as we saw.
“You are right there,” said Dr. Lambert. “Whatever poison was used it was one the effects of which I have never seen before. But we have not yet finished our analysis. We have only reached a certain conclusion that may ultimately be changed.”
“You mean as to whether or not it was suicide?” asked Captain Poland eagerly.
“No, I don't see how we can get away from that,” said Dr. Lambert. “That fact remains. But if we establish the kind of poison used it may lead us to the motive. That is what we must find.”
“And we will find the kind of poison!” declared Dr. Baird.
The older medical man shook his head.
“There are some animal and vegetable poisons for which there is no known test,” he said gently. “It may turn out to be one of these.”
“Then may it not develop that Mr. Carwell, assuming that he did take poison, did it by mistake?” asked the captain.
“I hope so,” murmured Dr. Lambert.
“But from the action of the poison, as shown by the condition of the mucous coat of the alimentary canal, I hardly see how Mr. Carwell could not have known that he took poison,” declared Dr. Baird.