two men who had brought the tools joined in the work, but they did
less than half as much as Deever alone.

In an incredibly short time the hole was four feet deep. Then Nick
suggested that they proceed with greater caution.

"The body," he said, "was probably buried without protection. If you
strike it with your spades you may increase the difficulty of
identification."

Thus warned, Deever's two assistants worked with care, but Deever
himself continued to ply his spade like a madman.

Not knowing the exact spot, they dug a hole much larger than a grave,
and thus the three men were able to work at the same time with
advantage.

Suddenly Deever cried:

"Here it is!"

His spade had struck something more solid than the soft earth.

All sprang forward, and the doctor uttered a cry as of terror.

Hastily the earth was removed from the buried object, until it could be
lifted to the surface.

Chick stepped forward, and brushed the last of the earth from the face
with his handkerchief. Then it was dragged to where the moon shone full
upon it.

A murmur arose from the little party. The face of the dead man was cut
and mangled with many wounds.

"It's Pat," said one of those who had assisted in the digging. "There's
no doubt about it."

"Yes," said Haskell, who was shivering with fear, "I recognize the
clothes he had on."

"He's got no coat," said one of the men; "where's that?"

"It was hanging on a tree in this garden," said Deever.

Then he bent forward over the corpse, and took from around the neck a
string to which a little cheap locket was attached.

"He always wore that, poor boy," said one of the men.

Deever turned to where Dr. Jarvis stood. The face of the doctor was
whiter than paper, as the moon shone down upon it.

"What do you say now, Jarvis?" said Deever, coldly. "Do you confess your
crime?"

The doctor recovered himself with a mighty effort.

"No," he cried. "I deny all responsibility for this man's death."

CHAPTER V.

THE BODY ON THE SLAB.

Nobody seemed to be much impressed by Jarvis' declaration of innocence.

The finding of the body in the exact spot indicated by Haskell looked
like conclusive proof. Added to this was the doctor's presence beside
the grave in the dead of night.

"It's a plain case," said Deever, turning toward Nick. "Will you make
the arrest now?"

Dr. Jarvis shuddered as these words were spoken. It was easy to see that
he was on the verge of de