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nydus/The Documents in the CasePublic

A man’s apparently accidental death soon arouses suspicions.

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contents of the dish of fungi actually be identified as Amanita rubescens ? When did Harrison mention to Lathom his intention of gathering Amanita rubescens ? This question is important, because, if the poisonous fungi were introduced among the harmless ones in their natural state, it is absolutely necessary that the two varieties should bear at least a superficial resemblance to one another. Even in a half-cooked state, there could be no confusion between Amanita muscaria and, say, Chantarelles or Bolitus edulis or Amanitopris fulva . Unfortunately, no one can throw any light on this except Lathom himself, and it is not likely that he will tell the truth. Note : To verify the habitat of Amanita rubescens , and, if possible, its presence in the actual dish of fungi analysed. C. Further Questions and Objections (Miscellaneous) If Lathom was guilty of administering poison to Harrison, why did he return to The Shack on Saturday? Would it not have been wiser to remain in town till the death was discovered? This is an objection which to me appears to carry some weight. I can, however, see certain considerations which might account for a proceeding so apparently reckless from a practical point of view. (a) Lathom may have wished to be on the spot to conceal any accidental traces of the crime. As we do not yet know his exact procedure, it is not certain what these could have been⁠—a bottle, perhaps, containing extract of Amanita muscaria , a pan in which he had prepared it; a book or papers containing notes; traces of his previous arrival by motor-bicycle or otherwise; possibly some letter or message left by Harrison, containing his own suspicions as to the manner of his death. Note : Munting’s opinion is that Lathom originally intended to remain alone in The

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