Steve turned around and gasped. Connel was striding toward them grimly, followed by four guards carrying a stretcher covered by a blanket. Strong quickly recognized the outline of a human form beneath the blanket.
"Major," exclaimed Steve, "what—who—?"
"It's getting thicker by the hour, Steve!" said Connel in a low voice. "This is the first time in the history of the Academy that there has been what looks like"—he paused and turned to look at the draped body being carried past them—"an attempt at murder," he finished.
"Murder!" said Strong. "But—"
"Who is it?" demanded Joan.
"A little man who can tell us a great deal if and when he regains consciousness! Pat Troy!"
