“Wait, I’ll fix it,” replied the chemist. From several bottles he poured a mixture into a glass. This he stirred up, and then put into an atomizer. He sprayed the stuff all around the apartment, and soon a most agreeable odor was noticeable in the air of the room.
“That’s better,” came from Larry. “What is it?”
“An imitation of violet perfume,” answered Mr. Hosfer.
“It smells like the real thing,” ventured Mr. Newton.
“Well, it’s like most perfumes. Very few of them ever see the flowers they’re named after,” commented the chemist. “Now what horrible happening brought you here?”
“It isn’t exactly horrible,” replied Mr. Newton, “but I’ll admit it’s something of a mystery, and it may develop into a sensational case.”
“I knew it!” exclaimed Mr. Hosfer. “You couldn’t keep away from sensationalism and terrible things if you tried. Now tell me all about it. I like excitement.”
“You remember me coming here with that blue paper?” asked Mr. Newton.
“Sure. The one with nitro-glycerine stains on it.”
“That’s the one. Well, now I want you to find something that will take those stains from a man’s hand.”