“As far as possible, sir. A compounded prescription, as you know, cannot be checked as to relative quantities and so ... but the ingredients from the remainder (I understood from the order that I was to have two capsules compounded, in case the first failed to take effect) were checked. They tallied as to substance, perfectly.”
“Who compounded the prescription?” Dr. Hoffbein queried.
“McInnis, my first assistant, sir. He can be trusted.”
He was interrupted by the telephone bell. It jarred the men like a steam siren. MacArthur’s, “Yes, Heddis. Are you sure? Soon as possible. Thank you,” held the eight men to a dead silence. A silence which screamed for knowledge.
Dr. MacArthur placed the hook too carefully upon the receiver, Hoffbein thought, and then he spoke:
“Coniine, gentlemen. One of the deadliest poisons. Heddis will be over in fifteen minutes.”
“Whew!” Dr. Harrison ejaculated.
“Hypodermic syringe, then,” Bear Sterling growled.
Cub Sterling jumped as though he had been shot.
They all turned toward him.