A small fraction of a grain gives
off vapor sufficient to kill a human being instantly."
"Had you known about this stuff, Average?" asked Bertram.
"No, I'd never beard of it. But from its action and from the
lettered cabinet, I judged that--"
"This is all very well," broke in Mr. Assistant Secretary Thomas
Colvin McIntyre, "but I want this man arrested. How can we know
that he isn't shamming and may not escape us, after all?"
"By this," retorted their host. He held aloft a small glass vial,
lead-seated, and staggered weakly to the door.
"Stop him!" said Average Jones sharply.
The door closed on the words. There was a heavy fall without,
followed by the light tinkle of glass.
Average Jones, who had half crossed the room in a leap, turned to
his friends, warning them back.
"Too late. We can't go out yet. Wait for the fumes to dissipate."
They stood, the four men, rigid. Presently Average Jones, opening a
rear window, leaped to the ground, followed by the others, and came
around the corner of the porch.
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