“Hold on, Colton. Don’t go out on the sand for a moment.”
“Why not,” he asked in surprise.
“No use marking it all up with footsteps.”
At this moment the coast-guard hailed them. “How long has that been there?”
“We’ve just found it,” said Colton.
“I’m on patrol duty from the Bow Hill station,” said the other. “Oh, it’s you, Mr. Haynes,” he added, recognising the reporter.
“These gentlemen are guests at Third House, Bruce,” said Haynes. “Here’s fresh evidence in our mystery, I fear.”
“Looks so,” said the patrol. “Let’s have a closer look.” He walked toward the body, which lay with the head toward the waves. Suddenly he stood still, shaking.
“Good God! it’s Paul Serdholm!” he cried. Then he sprang forward with a great cry: “He’s been murdered!”
“Oh, surely not murdered!” expostulated Professor Ravenden. “He’s been drowned and——”