It is especially fatal to nocturnal
insects, its perfume being stronger at night.
'Preparation of the oil is an art peculiar to members of an
obscure sect established in that district, by whom it is said to
be employed for the removal of enemies.
'An article is sprinkled with it, and whilst the perfume, which
is reported to resemble that of cloves, remains perceptible, to
inhale it results in immediate syncope, although by what
physiological process I have never been enabled to determine.
'With the one exception which I have mentioned, during my stay in
Nepal and the surrounding districts I failed to obtain a specimen
of this orchid. I have twice seen the curious purple stain upon
articles of clothing worn by natives who had died suddenly and
mysteriously. The Mangars simply say, "He has offended someone.
It is the flower of sleep."
'I immediately recognized the colour of the stains upon the
enclosed serviette, and also the curious crystalline formation on
their surface. The identity of the "someone" to whom the Mangars
refer, I never established. I shall welcome any particulars
respecting the history of the serviette.
'Very truly yours,
'WARWICK GREY.'
"Sir Charles Abingdon was poisoned," said Wessex in a hushed
voice. "For the girl's sake I hate the idea, but we shall have to
get an exhumation order."
"It is impossible," returned Innes, shortly. "He was cremated.
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