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.