"Dear Princess Goldilocks:
"I send with this the magic potion to drive away that sleeplessness of which you told me. It is quite harmless, really, but don't take more at a time than I told you. I dare not say what I wish your dreams may be, but I am sure they will be pleasant ones. May I hope to see you to-morrow at the Landis'?
"Ever faithfully,
"Farley."
Odell folded the note and put it into his pocket with the others.
"What was that bottle of medicine you found in the drawer, Taylor?" he asked.
"It was labeled 'extract of camomilla,' but I've seen and smelled and tasted chloral before. A fine little habit to start a young girl on! I didn't bring it down to you, but if you want it I'll slip in the first chance I get—"
"No, don't disturb it as long as you're sure of its contents; but get in when the opportunity offers and put back these notes in the drawer. Is that all?"
Taylor hesitated, and his expression changed.
"Well, no, Sergeant. When I came out of that room just a few minutes ago I heard the most unearthly screechin' and chatterin' goin' on behind a closed door across the hall; and then somebody said quite distinctly over and over as if they were bragging about it: 'Nobody knows how strong I am. Nobody knows how strong I am.' It was a queer voice, and I stopped to listen. After it kept that up for a while it changed and began to whimper like a kid fretting. 'Hot,' it repeated again and again. 'Hot. It burns.'
