The narrative revolves around the Burnaby family, particularly Frank Burnaby, a gentle and delicate man, and his young, beautiful wife, Margaret. The family doctor, who has developed a close relationship with them, becomes concerned when Frank suffers from mysterious symptoms resembling atropine poisoning after using prescribed eye drops. Despite the small dosage, Frank experiences severe reactions, leading to a series of alarming health crises. As the doctor investigates, he discovers that the symptoms recur after Frank consumes food prepared by Margaret, which raises suspicions about the source of the atropine. The couple's family friend, Cyril Parker, who provides them with food from his small farm, becomes a point of concern. The doctor suspects that the food, particularly the rabbits and pigeons, may be contaminated with atropine due to their potential exposure to belladonna plants. The situation escalates when Frank suffers a near-fatal attack, prompting the doctor to seek help from a renowned toxicologist, Dr. Thorndyke. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that the poisoning is not merely accidental. The police arrest Margaret on charges of attempted murder, leading to a tense court case where the evidence appears damning against her. However, Dr. Thorndyke's investigation reveals that the source of the poison is likely the animals provided by Parker, who has a motive tied to his affection for Margaret. The court ultimately dismisses the charges against her, recognizing that the poison was present in the food before it reached her. The narrative concludes with the implication that Parker's actions were premeditated, intending to harm Frank while framing Margaret, showcasing themes of jealousy, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships.
By R. Austin Freeman · First published 1912 · Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Crime