Carroll happened to be in, and he saw Mrs. Pelham at once. Her agitation and the strained look on her face frightened him. He asked her to sit down, and questioned her eagerly as to what was the matter. “I have come to consult you about the most awful matter,” she said. “What is it, Mrs. Pelham? What can possibly agitate you to such a fearful extent?” “It is something that Luke Tarbot has just told me. On hearing the news I came to town. Luke Tarbot has discovered that my child, my little Piers, came by his death by the administration of a most subtle poison. An awful stuff called hyocene was put into his medicine.” “Impossible!” said Carroll. “Who has told you this?” “Dr. Tarbot. For some reason he had his suspicions, and he analyzed the medicine.” “But Tarbot was the doctor who attended the case. He ordered the medicine to be given himself. The man must be mad.” “He says the hyocene must have been put into the medicine after it arrived from the chemist’s. But the terrible fact that I am coming to is this. Dr. Tarbot says that Dick did it.” “Richard Pelham!” cried Carroll. “Richard Pelham try to murder Piers! Impossible, monstrous! My dear madam, you are the subject of a terrible hallucination.” “I wish I were.” The poor woman clasped and unclasped her hands. Her face was full of terror and distress. “It is true,” she repeated. “I could not believe it myself at first, but I do now. The circumstantial evidence is fearfully strong, and it is all against Dick. I must prosecute him. My child’s death must be avenged. I have come to town for the purpose.” “Where is Tarbot? When did he bring you this cock-and-bull story?” “It is not a cock-and-bull story. You may think so at first, but you will not when you know all. Dick was in a fearful state after the death—his agitation was unnatural. It points strongly to his guilt.” “Not to those who know the man,” said Carroll. “I should be more than thankful if anybody could clear him,” replied Mrs. Pelham, “but at present I think, nay, more, I am certain he is guilty.” “You are overwrought, and no wonder,” said Carroll kindly. “Of course, I will look into this matter. You must leave it to me. Will you stay here while I interview Tarbot?” “You will find him at his house in Harley Street. Yes, I will remain here until you return.” “That is good. I will order the servants to bring you some refreshment. You must have something, it is necessary for you to husband your strength. I will be off at once now to Tarbot and then return to you.” Carroll left the room. He was absent nearly an hour. At the end of that time he came back, and his face was very grave. “I saw Tarbot,” he said, “and he has certainly confided a strange tale to me. I don’t even now believe in Dick’s guilt; but you are right, Mrs. Pelham—the circumstantial evidence is terribly strong. Have you quite made up your mind to prosecute?” “I have. Can I allow the child’s death to be unavenged?”