Still the man remained silent. Craig looked the fellow over again. Then, still with that confident smile, he reached into his inside pocket and drew forth the tube I had seen him place there.
"No matter how much YOU accuse me," added Craig casually, "no one will ever take the word of a crook that a reputable scientist like me would do what I am about to do."
He had taken out his penknife and opened it. Then he beckoned to me.
"Bare his arm and hold his wrist, Walter," he said.
Craig bent down with the knife and the tube, then paused a moment and turned the tube so that we could see it.
On the label were the ominous words:
Germ culture 6248A Bacillus Leprae (Leprosy)
Calmly he took the knife and proceeded to make an incision in the man's arm. The crook's feelings underwent a terrific struggle.
"No—no—no—don't," he implored. "I will take you to the Clutching
Hand—even if it kills me!"
Kennedy stepped back, replacing the tube in his pocket.