“I get you!” exclaimed Cardona. “If Homer Briggs thought he was going to be bumped off—”
“But I am not thinking of Homer Briggs,” interrupted Biscayne. “I am thinking of Silas Harshaw!”
“Silas Harshaw!” exclaimed Cardona.
All eyes were upon Professor Biscayne. His startling announcement was the most extraordinary idea that had yet been introduced into this case.
“I believe, now,” said Biscayne solemnly, “that Harshaw knew that he surely was going to die. He was the first to go.
“If any of the five marked men had known the truth, Harshaw would certainly have been the one.”
“HARSHAW was facing death,” declared Doctor Fredericks. “I told him so — when he asked me. He said he didn’t care. He had lived long.
“He talked about his inventions at the time; said his great work was completed. I recall some such talk — but the old man was always vague—”
“Facing death,” remarked Biscayne. “Death from failing health. It is always a terror to an active man, no matter how old he may be. I’m fathoming Harshaw’s thoughts, now.
“Perhaps he chose a quicker, surer death. He may have faced death that night, in this apartment. Faced it — knowing that his work was done—”