This statement concludes the evidence, which I have to lay before you.
You have already, I understand, received a brief communication from Sir
James Lubbock, confirming the account of his experiment with the
synthetic muscarine. Munting’s narrative is of some value as indicating
the lines on which such an experimental proof, though unusual and
somewhat technical in character, might be presented to a jury of
reasonably intelligent persons.
The unsatisfactory part of the case is, as you will see, that which
concerns the woman, Margaret Harrison. As the letter No. 46 shows, she
has taken pains to protect herself against any suspicion of complicity.
Although, morally, she is quite equally guilty with Lathom, and though I
have personally no doubt that the letter is an impudent hypocrisy, it
will probably be difficult to bring home to her a guilty knowledge of
the actual commission of the crime. That she instigated and inspired it
is, to my mind, certain; but Lathom will strenuously deny this, and I
have failed to secure any reliable evidence against her. I trust that
you will use every possible endeavour to prevent this abominable woman
from getting off scot-free.
* * * * *
I re-open this parcel to add that I have received a message from Mrs.
Cutts. Lathom, she tells me, has given a week’s notice to his landlord.
This may mean everything or nothing, but prompt action seems advisable.
* * * * *
_Sir Gilbert Pugh, Director of Public Prosecutions, turned the last page
of the manuscript, and sat for a few minutes in silence. Mentally he
watched his expert witnesses displaying an asymmetric molecule to a jury
of honest tradesmen, under a withering fire of commentary by the counsel
for the defence._
_He sighed. This sort of case always meant a lot of work and bother._
“_Simmons!_”
“_Yes, sir._”
“_Get me the Chief Commissioner on the ’phone._”
* * * * *
[Pinned to the portfolio at some subsequent date.]
* * * * *
_Extract from the “Morning Express” of November 30th, 1930_