“You might tell Mr. Fairbanks,” Hilda said coldly, “that the thing that scared you into a faint the other night is under my bed. I believe it’s harmless.”

“Harmless!” Susie said. “I put my hand on it in that damned peephole, and it nearly scared me to death. It’s a—”

“Yes,” said Hilda calmly. “It’s a snake. It would be nice to know who put it there.”

Chapter 21

OFFICE OF CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER REPORT OF DEATH

Name of deceased: Unknown

Last residence: Unknown

Date and time of death: June 17, 1941. One a.m.

Date and time examiner notified: June 17, 1941. Two a.m.

Body examined: June 17, 1941. Eight a.m.

Reported by: City Hospital

Body found: At Morgue

Pronounced dead by: Dr. Cassidy

Sex: Female

Age: Approximately 40

Color: White

Notes:

Woman reported discovered in great pain in rest room of Stern & Jones department store at 4 p. m. Store physician called and gave treatment for shock. When taken to City Hospital (see police report) was in state of collapse. Reached hospital 5:10 p.m., June 16th.

The body is that of a thin but sufficiently nourished female. From condition of hands believe worked at domestic service, office cleaning, or similar occupation. Clothing revealed nothing. There was no sign of violence on body.

There was no suicide note to be found. That the deceased was not anticipating death is possible, as a small paper bag containing darning silk was found in her purse. Also the report of the maid in said rest room, who states that the deceased was conscious when found, and said that she had been poisoned.

In view of the circumstances I am of the opinion that the cause of death was:

Administration of arsenical poison by person or persons unknown: Homicide.

(Signed) S. J. Wardwell
Chief Medical Examiner

AUTOPSY

Approximate age: 40 years

Approximate weight: 115 lbs.

Height: 5’3”

Stenographer: John T. Heron

I hereby certify that on the 17th day of June, 1941, I, Richard M. Weaver, made an autopsy on this body eight hours after death, and said autopsy revealed:

No injury on body, which is that of a white female, apparently 40 years of age. Examination of viscera revealed characteristic symptoms of arsenical poisoning. Due to use of stomach pump impossible to tell time of last food taken. Possibly twelve hours before death.

Arsenic present in considerable amount in viscera.

(Signed) Richard M. Weaver
Assistant Medical Examiner

It was noon of the day after Ida disappeared before she was found at the morgue. The autopsy was over by that time, and Ida’s tired hands were resting peacefully on a cold slab in the morgue when Carlton was taken there to identify her.

He gave one look and backed away.

“It’s Ida, all right,” he said hoarsely. “For God’s sake, inspector! What’s happening to us?”

“I imagine Ida knew too much,” said the inspector, motioning the morgue master to push the body out of sight. “It’s a pity. It’s a cruel death.”

He eyed Carlton thoughtfully.