Some time previously, Kennedy had had installed on the window
ledge one of those mirror-like arrangements, known as a
"busybody," which show those in a room what is going on on the
street.
As I moved over to look at the bolometer, I happened to glance
into the busybody and saw that a crowd was rapidly collecting on
the sidewalk.
"Look, Craig!" I called hastily.
He hurried over to me and looked. We could both see in the
busybody mirror a group of excited passersby bending over a man
lying prostrate on the sidewalk.
He had evidently been standing on the curbstone outside the
laboratory and had suddenly put his hand to his forehead. Then he
had literally crumpled up into a heap, as he sank to the ground.
The excited crowd lifted him up and bore him away, and I turned in
surprise to Craig. He was looking at his watch.
It was now only a few moments past nine o'clock!
Not quarter of an hour later, our door was excitedly flung open
and Elaine and Perry Bennett arrived.
"I've just heard of the accident," she cried, fearfully. "Isn't it
terrible. What had we better do?"
For a few moments no one said a word. Then Kennedy began carefully
examining the bolometer and some other recording instruments he
had, while the rest of us watched, fascinated.
Somehow that "busybody" seemed to attract me.
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