Together, Kennedy, Elaine and myself lifted Dodge to a sofa and
Elaine's aunt, Josephine, with whom she lived, appeared on the
scene, trying to quiet the sobbing girl.
Kennedy and I withdrew a little way and he looked about curiously.
"What was it?" I whispered. "Was it natural, an accident, or--or
murder?"
The word seemed to stick in my throat. If it was a murder, what
was the motive? Could it have been to get the evidence which Dodge
had that would incriminate the master criminal?
Kennedy moved over quietly and examined the body of Dodge. When he
rose, his face had a peculiar look.
"Terrible!" he whispered to me. "Apparently he had been working at
his accustomed place at the desk when the telephone rang. He rose
and crossed over to it. See! That brought his feet on this
register let into the floor. As he took the telephone receiver
down a flash of light must have shot from it to his ear. It shows
the characteristic electric burn."
"The motive?" I queried.
"Evidently his pockets had been gone through, though none of the
valuables were missing. Things on his desk show that a hasty
search has been made."
Just then the door opened and Bennett burst in.
As he stood over the body, gazing down at it, repressing the
emotions of a strong man, he turned to Elaine and in a low voice,
exclaimed, "The Clutching Hand did this! I shall consecrate my
life to bring this man to justice!"
He spoke tensely and Elaine, looking up into his face, as if
imploring his help in her hour of need, unable to speak, merely
grasped his hand.
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