not generally known outside scientific circles, but the fact is
that in their physiological effects the X-ray and radium are
quite one and the same. Radium possesses this advantage, however,
that no elaborate apparatus is necessary for its use. And, in
addition, the emanation from radium is steady and constant,
whereas the X-ray at best varies slightly with changing
conditions of the current and vacuum in the X-ray tube. Still,
the effects on the body are much the same.

"A few days before this order was placed I recall the following
despatch which appeared in the New York papers. I will read it.

"'Liege, Belgium, Oct. -, 1910. What is believed to be the first
criminal case in which radium figures as a death-dealing agent is
engaging public attention at this university town. A wealthy old
bachelor, Pailin by name, was found dead in his flat. A stroke of
apoplexy was at first believed to have caused his death, but a
close examination revealed a curious discolouration of his skin.
A specialist called in to view the body gave as his opinion that
the old man had been exposed for a long time to the emanations of
X-ray or radium. The police theory is that M. Pailin was done to
death by a systematic application of either X-rays or radium by a
student in the university who roomed next to him. The student has
disappeared.'

"Now here, I believe, was the suggestion which this American
criminal followed, for I cut it out of the paper rather expecting
sooner or later that some clever person would act on it. I have
thoroughly examined the room of Mrs. Close. She herself told me
she never wanted to return to it, that her memory of sleepless