"Assuredly. She confessed as much. Her grandmother came from Ashantee, where this devil-stick is used for the purpose of destroying people. Dido inherits a knowledge of the family secrets, and knows how to make this poison. It cures nervous headaches--that is, the perfume of it does--and Dido made some with which she saturated a handkerchief to bind round the head of her young mistress."
"How do you know that the poisons are the same?"
"From the peculiar, sickly, heavy odor," explained Jen, promptly; and continued: "Well, you can see the rest for yourself. Dido filled that devil-stick with the poison," he pointed to the article on the table, "some of it remains in the wand yet. Etwald used the devil-stick to kill Maurice, and on going back to tell Dido of his success I have no doubt he dropped it inside the gates of Mrs. Dallas' grounds, where, as you have heard, it was found by Battersea. Oh, it is as plain as day to me," cried Jen, vehemently. "Etwald killed Maurice and stole the devil-stick to accomplish the murder."
"You have certainly made out a strong case against this man," said Meg, after a pause, "but it is all theory. Your proofs?"
"I shall find them."
"That will be difficult."
"Doubtless. I hardly anticipated an easy task when I undertook to learn who killed my dear lad. Besides, David will help me."
Lady Meg sighed, and rising to her feet, she drew her cloak round her tall form.
"I shall help you also," she said sadly. "That is, if you will accept of my help."
"Assuredly. You loved Maurice--"