The inspector read the document carefully and scrutinized the picture.
“Your information seems to be correct, Mr. Carter,” he said, as he handed the paper and the photograph back to Nick. “It seems that Weeden is a dangerous character, as well as a cunning hypocrite.”
After a moment’s pause, he added: “I agree with Mr. Carter. Weeden has either committed these murders or else been a party to them. I am ready to aid him in running down the criminals.”
Nick explained that he had brought a young surgeon with him so that a careful examination of the bodies might be made.
The party at once went to the morgue.
Upon their arrival there the doctor went skillfully to work.
On the left side of each body was found a slight puncture, just over the heart.
Nick followed the doctor’s examination very carefully, as did the two other detectives. The doctor, as he probed the puncture of the last body, gave a startled exclamation.
“What is it?” demanded Nick.
“Wait a minute,” said the doctor, as he proceeded to cut away a small portion of the flesh. The knife ran against a minute metallic substance. A close examination showed that it was a small needle, one end having a slight opening in the end of it.