hour
or two before and after Schurman was killed."

"The plaster models will be here, shortly, Sergeant. You can then
see for yourself. All you say is correct but you must, before you
convict him, account for the tooth marks in that apple. That is of
the utmost importance, Sergeant."

The plaster models of the upper and lower teeth of the prisoner
came up in a short time. Professor Brierly held out the models and
the moulage to the police officer:

"Here, Sergeant, see if you can make them fit. You don't have to
be a dentist to see that the teeth that bit into the apple are not
the teeth of which these are models."

Chapter XV

As Professor Brierly, followed by the two younger men stepped
into the busy city room, Hite held up a sheaf of telegrams that
had come for the old scientist during his short absence. Professor
Brierly took them as Hite said, "When you get through with these,
Professor, I'll give you a message, a verbal message that I've got
for you."

Professor Brierly quickly ran through the messages. He looked up:

"You know, I instituted inquiry for one Amos Brown, who is thought
by some members of the Tontine group to have been the only
surviving member of the group known as '14'. Several of the men
told me they had reason to believe that it was he who used to send
the blank sheets of paper with the number '14' on it. But inquiry
showed that they had really no proof of his being alive after
1902. Subsequent to that they only got those messages to remind
them of his existence.

"These telegrams inform me that Amos Brown died in 1902 on the
outskirts of South Bend, Ind. But he was survived by a son and a
grandson. The son, according to my informants, died about three
years later. The grandson, who was also named Amos Brown, was last
heard of somewhere in the New England States.

"My informants tell me that the grandson is now about thirty-five
years old, if he is alive.

"So you see, there is an Amos Brown who might have inherited along
with his grandfather's other possessions, his vendetta, his
lifelong hatred for our Tontine group. But I am expecting more
detailed information that may place this grandson definitely. Now
what is the message you had for me, Mr. Hite?"

"Our man who covers headquarters, Professor, saw 'Fingy' Smith a
few minutes after he was booked and charged. 'Fingy' insists on
seeing you, personally."

Professor Brierly made a grimace of distaste.

"I do not like it.