Page 9

Mineral spring or poisoned well? Care to take a taste test? Not me.

I am no chemist, but I suspect this reeking pond is laced with arsenious acid, monkshood, hellebore, bearded darnel, and deadly nightshade. Perhaps even a hint of Paris green thrown in for good measure. This is very much the modus operendi of Thelma and Doris, or one of their ghostly minions.

I highly recommend the 7th edition of the Junior Woodchuck's Manual for determining poisons, mushrooms, and herbs in a forest environment. This tome is available at the Fallon House gift shop, or at the lobby of the Fairmont Hotel in downtown San Jose.

I approach one of several rock bridges.

Page 9