"
. . . . . . . .
Kennedy lost no time in confirming the suspicions of his bolometer
as to the cause of the death of the two innocent victims of the
machinations of the Clutching Hand.
Both of them, he had learned, had been removed to a nearby
undertaking shop, awaiting the verdict of the coroner. We sought
out the shop and prevailed on the undertaker to let us see the
bodies.
As Kennedy pulled down the shroud from the face of the first
victim, he disclosed on his forehead a round dark spot about the
size of a small coin. Quickly, he moved to the next coffin and,
uncovering the face, disclosed a similar mark.
"What is it?" I asked, awestruck.
"Why," he said, "I've heard of a certain Viennese, one LeCroix I
believe, who has discovered or perfected an infra-red ray
instrument which shoots its power a great distance with extreme
accuracy and leaves a mark like these."
"Is he in New York?" I inquired anxiously.
"Yes, I believe he is."
Kennedy seemed indisposed to answer more until he knew more, and I
saw that he would prefer not being questioned for the present.
We thanked the undertaker for his courtesy and went out.
. . . . . . . .
Meanwhile Elaine had called up Perry Bennett.
"Mr. Bennett," she exclaimed over the wire, "just guess who called
on me?"
"Who?" he answered, "I give it up.
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