"Yes," replied George, "that is one explanation which certainly will have to be considered."
"I thought I heard the Cap'n say 'murder' when he 'phoned in town for some specials. They're for detective work on this case, I reckon. Hello! That sounds like the Doctor's rig."
A moment later the bell rang and Dr. Ferris entered the room.
"Ah, Doctor," he said extending his hand to me, "what have we here?"
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.
The Examiner then took Maitland aside, looked at his notes, and conversed earnestly with him in an undertone for several minutes. I do not know what passed between them. When he left, a few moments later, Officer Barker accompanied him.
As soon as the door closed behind them Gwen turned to Maitland.
"Did he give you his opinion?" she asked with a degree of interest which surprised me.
"He will report death as having resulted from causes at present unknown," rejoined Maitland.
Gwen seemed greatly relieved by this answer, though I confess I was utterly at a loss to see why she should be.
Observing this change in her manner Maitland approached her, saying: "Will you now permit me to explain my seeming rudeness in interfering with your plan to make Mr. Browne your messenger, and at the same time allow me to justify myself in the making of yet another request?"