An exclamation from Doctor Wayburn claimed their attention, and speaking from the doorway of the Room with the Tassels, he said:
“There is no body here.”
“What!” cried several at once, and crowded to the door.
“Absolutely none,” repeated the doctor, and Professor Hardwick pushed his way past the two medical men and entered the room.
“It’s gone!” he said, reappearing, “Vernie’s body is gone!”
“Impossible!” cried Landon, “what do you mean? Why, we’ve all been right here all the morning! How could it be gone?”
“See for yourself,” and Hardwick stepped aside.
There was no denying the fact. Scrutiny of the whole room showed no presence of the cold, still form that had been reverently laid on that bed. Everybody entered and peered around, fruitlessly. They shook the heavy hangings and looked behind them, but to no avail.
Vernie’s body had utterly disappeared!