"Don't fear," he said, trying to pacify the now furious prosecutor,
"it will do nothing to the Dixon writing. That is permanent now, even
if it is only a tracing."
When he withdrew the note, there was writing on both sides, the black
of the original note and something in red on the other side.
We crowded around, and Craig read it with as much interest as any of
us:
"Before taking the headache-powder, be sure to place the contents of
this paper in a jar with a little warm water."
"Hum," commented Craig, "this was apparently written on the outside
wrapper of a paper folded about some sal-ammoniac and quicklime. It
goes on:
* * * * *
"'Just drop the whole thing in, _paper and all_. Then if you feel a
faintness from the medicine the ammonia will quickly restore you. One
spoonful of the headache-powder swallowed quickly is enough.'"
* * * * *
No name was signed to the directions, but they were plainly written,
and "_paper and all_" was underscored heavily.
Craig pulled out some letters. "I have here specimens of writing of
many persons connected with this case, but I can see at a glance which
one corresponds to the writing on this red death-warrant by an
almost inhuman fiend. I shall, however, leave that part of it to the
handwriting experts to determine at the trial. Thurston, who was the
man whom you saw enter the Boncour bungalow as you left--the constant
visitor?"
Thurston had not yet regained his self-control, but with trembling
forefinger he turned and pointed to Halsey Post.
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