"Do not trouble, doctor. That poor fellow is not Gaston Max and he
was not poisoned. You may accept my word for it. I had the misfortune
to strangle him."



PART II

STATEMENT OF GASTON MAX



I. THE DANCER OF MONTMARTRE


CHAPTER I

ZARA EL-KHALA


The following statement which I, Gaston Max, am drawing up in
duplicate for the guidance of whoever may inherit the task of tracing
"The Scorpion"--a task which I have begun--will be lodged--one copy at
the Service de Surete in Paris, and the other copy with the
Commissioner of Police, New Scotland Yard. As I apprehend that I may be
assassinated at any time, I propose to put upon record all that I have
learned concerning the series of murders which I believe to be
traceable to a certain person. In the event of my death, my French
colleagues will open the sealed packet containing this statement and
the English Assistant Commissioner of the Special Branch responsible