They were of the
simplest kind, apparently. In fact, all I could see was an
apparatus which consisted of a rubber funnel, inverted and
attached to a rubber tube which led in turn into a jar about a
quarter full of water. Through the stopper of the jar another
tube led to a tank of oxygen.
There were several jars of various liquids on the table and a
number of chemicals. Among other things was a sort of gourd,
encrusted with a black substance, and in a corner was a box from
which sounds issued as if it contained something alive.
I did not trouble Kennedy with questions, for I was only too glad
when he consented to take a brisk walk and join me in a thick
porterhouse.
It was a large party that gathered in Kennedy's laboratory that
night, one of the largest he had ever had. Mr. and Mrs.
Wainwright and Miss Marian came, the ladies heavily veiled.
Doctor Nott and Mr. Whitney were among the first to arrive. Later
came Mr. Vanderdyke and last of all Mrs. Ralston with Inspector
O'Connor. Altogether it was an unwilling party.
"I shall begin," said Kennedy, "by going over, briefly, the facts
in this case."
Tersely he summarised it, to my surprise laying great stress on
the proof that the couple had been asphyxiated.
"But it was no ordinary asphyxiation," he continued.
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