"Now, the death of Gaston Max under circumstances not yet explained,
would seem to indicate that his theory was a sound one. In other
words, I am disposed to believe that he himself represents the most
recent outrage of what we will call 'The Scorpion.' Even at the time
that the body of the man found by the River Police had not been
identified, the presence upon his person of a fragment of gold
strongly resembling the tail of a scorpion prompted me to instruct
Inspector Dunbar to consult you. I had determined upon a certain
course. The identification of the dead man with Gaston Max merely
strengthens my determination and enhances the likelihood of my idea
being a sound one."

He flicked the ash from his cigarette and resumed:

"Without mentioning names, the experts consulted in the other cases
which--according to the late Gaston Max--were victims of 'The
Scorpion,' do not seem to have justified their titles. I am arranging
that you shall be present at the autopsy upon the body of Gaston Max.
And now, permit me to ask you a question: are you acquainted with any
poison which would produce the symptoms noted in the case of Sir Frank
Narcombe, for instance?"

Stuart shook his head slowly.

"All that I know of the case," he said, "is that he was taken suddenly
ill in the foyer of a West-End theatre, immediately removed to his
house in Half Moon Street, and died shortly afterward. Can you give me
copies of the specialists' reports and other particulars? I may then
be able to form an opinion."