Part 148 (2/2)
Rene reflected an instant.
”There are several mineral poisons,” said he; ”and before answering I should like to know what you mean. Has your Majesty any idea of the way in which your dog was poisoned?”
”Yes,” said Charles; ”he chewed the leaf of a book.”
”The leaf of a book?”
”Yes.”
”Has your Majesty this book?”
”Here it is,” said Charles, and, taking the volume from the shelf where he had placed it, he handed it to Rene.
The latter gave a start of surprise which did not escape the King.
”He ate a leaf of this book?” stammered Rene.
”Yes, this one,” and Charles pointed to the torn page.
”Will you allow me to tear out another, sire?”
”Do so.”
Rene tore out a leaf and held it over the candle. The paper caught fire, filling the room with a strong smell of garlic.
”He has been poisoned with a preparation of a.r.s.enic,” said he.
”You are sure?”
”As sure as if I had prepared it myself.”
”And the antidote?”
Rene shook his head.
”What!” said Charles in a hoa.r.s.e voice, ”you know no remedy?”
”The best and most efficacious is the white of eggs beaten in milk; but”--
”But what?”
”It must be administered at once; otherwise”--
”Otherwise?”
”Sire, it is a terrible poison,” said Rene, again.
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