"They were in my case this morning when I left my office," Von Blon explained; "and I made only two brief calls before I went to the Greenes'. I missed the tubes when I returned to my office."
Markham studied the doctor a moment.
"And you think it improbable that the drugs were taken from your case during either of your other calls?"
"That's just it. At neither place was the case out of my sight for a moment."
"And at the Greenes'?" Markham's agitation was growing rapidly.
"I went directly to Mrs. Greene's room, taking the case with me. I remained there for perhaps half an hour. When I came out"
"You did not leave the room during that half-hour?"
"No. . . ."
"Pardon me, doctor," came Vance's indolent voice; "but the nurse mentioned that you called to her to bring Mrs. Greene's bouillon. From where did you call?"
Von Blon nodded. "Ah, yes. I did speak to Miss Craven. I stepped to the door and called up the servants' stairs."
"Quite so. And then?"
"I waited with Mrs. Greene until the nurse came. Then I went across the hall to Sibella's room."
"And your case?" interjected Markham.
"I set it down in the hall, against the rear railing of the main stairway."
"And you remained in Miss Sibella's room until Sproot called you?"
"That is right."
