where the Sub-Inspector was recording the statements of eye-witnesses. When Abdullah's turn came, the police officer surveyed him from head to foot, saying:—
"I have heard of you before; what is your occupation?"
"Sir, I am a Hakim (doctor)."
"Anything else?"
"Yes, sir, I have a little cultivation and sometimes lend money."
"Did you attend the deceased woman?"
"Yes, I was called in by Sádhu a week ago, and treated her for fever."
"A nice mess you have made of the case too! Swear on the Quran that you gave her no poison or drug!"
"Sir, I am ready to declare in the name of God and His Prophet that I gave her nothing but homopotik, only nuxo bomicka (nux vomica) in doses which would not have harmed a baby."
"Now, remember you are on your oath. Did you administer anything else?"
Abdullah's shaking limbs proved that he was terribly apprehensive of evil consequences to himself. He muttered, "I gave her a little patal-juice too ".
"So I thought," said the Sub-Inspector. "Now all present will follow me." With the assistance of
