Before I could answer he had noticed Maitland and advanced to shake hands with him.
“Is this indeed so serious as I have been told?” he asked, after his greeting.
“It seems to me likely,” replied Maitland slowly, “to develop into the darkest mystery I have ever known.”
“Hum!” replied the Examiner. “Has the body been moved or the disposition of its members altered?”
“Not since I arrived,” replied Officer Barker.
“And before?” queried Dr. Ferris, turning to Maitland.
“Everything is absolutely intact. I have made a few notes and measurements, but I have disturbed nothing,” replied Maitland.
“Good,” said the Examiner. “May I see those notes before I go? You were on that Parker case and you have, you know, something of a reputation for thoroughness. Perhaps you may have noted something that would escape me.”
“The notes, Doctor, are at your service,” George replied.
Dr. Ferris’ examination of the body was very thorough, yet, since it was made with the rapid precision which comes from extended practice, it was soon over. Short as it was, however, it was still an ordeal under which Gwen suffered keenly, to judge from her manner.