But I feel sure I've got a strangle-hold on
this mystery. If I get those papers from Riley in good time
to-morrow I shall invite you and several others to a grand
demonstration here to-morrow night. Don't forget. Keep the whole
evening free. It will be a big story."
Kennedy's laboratory was brightly lighted when I arrived early
the next evening. One by one his "guests" dropped in. It was
evident that they had little liking for the visit, but the
coroner had sent out the "invitations," and they had nothing to
do but accept. Each one was politely welcomed by the professor
and assigned a seat, much as he would have done with a group of
students. The inspector and the coroner sat back a little. Mrs.
Parker, Mr. Downey, Mr. Bruce, myself, and Miss La Neige sat in
that order in the very narrow and uncomfortable little armchairs
used by the students during lectures.
At last Kennedy was ready to begin. He took his position behind
the long, flat-topped table which he used for his demonstrations
before his classes. "I realise, ladies and gentlemen," he began
formally, "that I am about to do a very unusual thing; but, as
you all know, the police and the coroner have been completely
baffled by this terrible mystery and have requested me to attempt
to clear up at least certain points in it.
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