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Show 44 TEAVELS AND ADVENTURES IN THE FAE WEST. top of my box last night, is missing." Like Hamlet I looked into the face of the delinquent, and I never shall forget his expression when I remarked t h a t " the liquid in the purloined flask was poison, and perfectly black, and although it would not kill, immediately, an ounce will produce certain death in 48 hours." " Gentlemen! I shall, in consequence, have to reserve the brandy to make another similar mixture, to substitute for alcohol; therefore I am sorry I cannot treat you as I intended." Of course the innocent parties felt indignant that my flask had been stolen, and that one of their party was suspected. The thief was discovered, although he nor any one else knew that I detected him. The next day I went to my box again, and in its proper place, I found my brandy flask about half full. Our friend had taken several strong pulls during the night and morning, and likely enough he looked at the contents, and finding them black as ink, believed all about the poison, and fearing to die, replaced the flask, without detection. When I discovered it, I showed it around and also the color of the contents, and told them it was not poison but " good old brandy." I tasted a little, and divided it among the party. The man that took it knew I suspected him, and his whole conduct to me during the journey, was influenced by that event, although I never taxed him with it. DEAE S : Yesterday being a fine, mild day, I thought I would examine my wardrobe, and have such articles as I had worn during the last three weeks washed. I col |