"'Within the past few years cases are on record which seem to
establish catacausis beyond doubt. In one case the heat was so
great as to explode a pistol in the pocket of the victim. In
another, a woman, the victim's husband was asphyxiated by the
smoke. The woman weighed, one hundred and eighty pounds in life,
but the ashes weighed only twelve pounds: In all these cases the
proof of spontaneous combustion seems conclusive.'"
As Craig finished reading, we looked blankly, horrified, at one
another. It was too dreadful to realise.
"What do you think of it, Professor" asked James Langley, at
length. "I've read somewhere of such cases, but to think of its
actually happening--and to my own brother. Do you really think
Lewis could have met his death in this terrible manner?"
Kennedy made no reply. Harrington seemed absorbed in thought. A
shudder passed over us as we thought about it. But, gruesome as
it was, it was evident that the publication of the story in the
Record had relieved the feelings of the family group in one
respect--it at least seemed to offer an explanation. It was
noticeable that the suspicious air with which everyone had
regarded everyone else was considerably dispelled.
Tom said nothing until the others had withdrawn. "Kennedy," he
burst out, then, "do you believe that such combustion is
absolutely spontaneous? Don't you believe that something else is
necessary to start it?"
"I'd rather not express an opinion just yet, Tom," answered Craig
carefully.
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