s, but without success. He had seen
several of the doctor's patients, who could only tell him that Doctor
Boyd had been unexpectedly called out of town, and before going had
notified them to send for Doctor Ward if they needed medical attendance
during his absence. Warren met with no better success when he made
inquiries at Boyd's house. After repeated ringing of the front bell,
and knocking on the basement door, the old housekeeper finally answered
the door. On learning Warren's errand, she said that the doctor told
her he was likely to return at any time; she had no idea where he had
gone, he had told her to keep all mail for him.

Warren glanced impatiently at his watch. Miss Metoaca was to be the
first witness for the defence, and he had promised to escort her to the
trial. Realizing that he had little time to spare before the court
convened, he called a hack, jumped into the vehicle, and was driven to
the Newtons'. Miss Metoaca was ready and waiting for him, and on their
way to Fourteenth Street Warren asked her if she could tell him where
Doctor Boyd had gone. Her reply was discouraging. She had not seen or
heard of him for weeks.

"I would give anything in the world if he were here," added Miss
Metoaca, with emphasis. "He is devoted to Nancy."

Warren silently echoed her wish as he piloted her into the room
reserved for the witnesses.

The judge advocate's first witness that morning was an elderly man who
apparently did not relish his unexpected prominence before the public.
He sat biting his nails and glancing uneasily at Nancy. When being
sworn he was ill at ease, and his behavior created a most unfavorable
impression on spectators and court alike.

"Your full name?" demanded the judge advocate.

"Oscar Brown."

"Occupation?"

"Druggist."

"Where is your drug store?"

"On F Street next the Ebbitt."

"You know the accused?"

"I don't exactly know Miss Newton," he grinned deprecatingly, "but I
have put up prescriptions for her on numerous occasions."

"When did you last see the accused?"

"On the afternoon of the sixth of March, when she came into my store."

"Did she buy any drugs?"

"Yes, sir; a bottle of chloroform."

A gasp escaped Mrs. Warren which was clearly audible in the silent
room. Warren had not told his wife of Doctor Ward's startling
discovery, and Brown's testimony was a distinct shock to Nancy's
tender-hearted and loyal friend.

"Did the accused state why she required chlo