"Markham, there's something curious and inconsistent here," he said. "It was broad daylight when this thing happened, and the lad was shot from the front—there are even powder marks on the face. But his expression is perfectly natural. No sign of fear or astonishment—rather peaceful and unconcerned, in fact. . . . It's incredible. The murderer and the pistol certainly weren't invisible."
Heath nodded slowly.
"I noticed that too, sir. It's damn peculiar." He bent more closely over the body. "That wound looks to me like a thirty-two," he commented, turning to the doctor for confirmation.
"Yes," said Von Blon. "It appears to have been made with the same weapon that was used against the others."
"It was the same weapon," Vance pronounced sombrely, taking out his cigarette-case with thoughtful deliberation. "And it was the same killer who used it." He smoked a moment, his troubled gaze resting on Rex's face. "But why was it done at just this time—in the daylight, with the door open, and when there were people close at hand? Why didn't the murderer wait until night? Why did he run such a needless risk?"
"Don't forget," Markham reminded him, "that Rex was on the point of coming to my office to tell me something."
"But who knew he was about to indulge in revelations? He was shot within ten minutes of your call" He broke off and turned quickly to the doctor. "What telephone extensions are there in the house?"
