“It remained on the flesh?”
“Until the embalming process took place. That removed it. I didn’t see it, but I’m told it was a clearly defined circle, quite evidently impressed with some intent.”
“Sounds like a sign of a secret society,” Fibsy suggested, but Stone paid no heed.
“Let’s reconstruct the case,” he said; “Waring sat at his desk his secretary outside in that hall?”
“Yes; the Japanese, the other one, the one that disappeared, brought in water, and then Doctor Waring closed the door and locked it.”
“Immediately?”
“I don’t know that, but anyway, no one that we know of saw him again alive. Nogi is under no suspicion, for after he came out of the room, the Doctor rose and locked the door. Lockwood can’t be suspected, as he heard the door locked, and couldn’t get in. He is more or less suspected because of his penholder, but much as I should like to think him the criminal, I know he isn’t.”
“You’re very honest, Mr. Trask.”
“Yes, because I want the truth. Can you get it?”
“I think so.”