"I understood that it was a----" The doctor ceased. Pybus's face had assumed a very singular hue. "I--I hope that I have said nothing----"
"No, you have said nothing. Laudanum poisoning?" He turned to Hughes. "So that is it." And then to me. "So that was 'Aunt Jane's Jalap.' It's--it's rather hard--that a man of my years--should--die of--jalap."
Pybus took a seat. The doctor stared at him.
"Mr. Pybus, I hope that nothing is the matter."
"Nothing, only--I'm the man--that's poisoned."
"You!"
"Me, Sam Pybus. I've been dining with a man, who asked me to meet--his girl--and smooth the tabby--and he gives me--jalap, which is another name for laudanum."
The doctor seemed bewildered.
"I am afraid I don't understand."
Hughes endeavoured to explain. He was suffering as much as either of us. The words fell from his stammering lips.