human
What does it mean?
gpt
The dark spots are blood, the discoloration the poison from the needle.
human
And the needle?
gpt
That's where our very scientific culprit has forestalled me, Walter! The needle was in these curtains all day yesterday. Unfortunately, I did not study the manuscript, did not attach any importance to Miss Lamar's scene at the portieres.
human
The man who broke in last night--
gpt
Removed the needle, but --almost amused--
human
Find something?
gpt
Yes! Kennedy faced him, undisturbed, apparently not surprised. His scrutiny of Phelps's face was frank and searching.
human
Yes, he repeated,
gpt
There--there is something the matter with the curtains?
human
Miss Lamar met her death from poison introduced into her system through a tiny scratch from a prepared needle.
gpt
Yes? Phelps was calm now, and cool. I wondered if it were pretense on his part.
human
What have these little marks to do with that?
gpt
Don't you see? rejoined Kennedy.
human
If some one had come here before the scene in the picture was played; had thrust a small needle, perhaps a hollow needle from a hypodermic syringe, through the heavy thickness of this silk--thrust it in here, the point sticking out here--well, there would be two holes left where the threads were forced apart, like this!
gpt
How could that cause Stella's death?
human
Try to recall Miss Lamar's actions, Kennedy went on, patiently.
gpt
What was she supposed to do in the very first scene? 'The portieres move and the fingers of a girl are seen on the edge of the silk. A bare and beautiful arm is thrust through almost to the shoulder and it begins to move the portieres aside, reaching upward to pull the curtains apart at the rings.'
human
Do you mean to tell me-- Phelps's eyes were very wide as he paused, grasping the scheme and yet disbelieving--unless it all were a bit of fine acting--
gpt
It is simpler than it sounds, Mr. Phelps. Kennedy was suddenly harsh.
human
There is only one natural movement of an arm in that case. The culprit was undoubtedly familiar with Miss Lamar's height and with her manner of working. It is a bit of action which has to be repeated in both the long shot and close-up scenes. Jameson here can tell you how many times a scene is rehearsed. There probably were a dozen sure chances of the needle striking the girl's bare flesh. You will see from the position of the holes that it was arranged point downward and slightly turned in, and on a particular fold of the curtain, too; showing that some one placed it there only after a nice bit of calculation. Furthermore, it was high enough so that there was little chance of anyone being pricked except the star, whose death was intended.
gpt
Listen, Craig! I spoke in a low voice.
human
Remember all the emphasis you placed upon the fact that she would cry out. She was not supposed to cry out in that first scene.