rse of X-ray treatment for a slight defect. That would further serve
to divert suspicion. The fact is that a more horrible plot could hardly
have been planned or executed. This person sought to ruin her beauty to
gain a most selfish and despicable end."

Again Craig paused to let his words sink into our minds.

"Now I wish to state that anything you gentlemen may say will be used
against you. That is why I have asked you to bring your attorneys.
You may consult with them, of course, while I am getting ready my next
disclosure."

As Kennedy had developed his points in the case I had been more and more
amazed. But I had not failed to notice how keenly Lawrence was following
him.

With half a sneer on his astute face, Lawrence drawled: "I cannot
see that you have accomplished anything by this rather extraordinary
summoning of us to your laboratory. The evidence is just as black
against Dr. Gregory as before. You may think you're clever, Kennedy,
but on the very statement of facts as you have brought them out there is
plenty of circumstantial evidence against Gregory--more than there
was before. As for anyone else in the room, I can't see that you have
anything on us--unless perhaps this new evidence you speak of may
implicate Asche, or Jameson," he added, including me in a wave of his
hand, as if he were already addressing a jury. "It's my opinion that
twelve of our peers would be quite as likely to bring in a verdict of
guilty against them as against anyone else even remotely connected with
this case, except Gregory. No, you'll have to do better than this in
your next case, if you expect to maintain that so-called reputation of
yours for being a professor of criminal science."

As for Close, taking his cue from his attorney, he scornfully added: "I
came to find out some new evidence against the wretch who wrecked the
beauty of my wife. All I've got is a tiresome lecture on X-rays and
radium. I suppose what you say is true. Well, it only bears out what I
thought before. Gregory treated my wife at home, after he saw the damage
his office treatments had done. I guess he was capable of making a
complete job out of it--covering up his carelessness by getting rid
of the woman who was such a damning piece of evidence against his
professional skill."

Never a shade passed Craig's face as he listened to this tirade. "Excuse
me a moment," was all he said, opening the door to leave the room. "I
have just one more fact to disc