V. The Seismograph Adventure

"Dr. James Hanson, Coroner's Physician, Criminal Courts
Building," read Craig Kennedy, as he held a visitor's card in his
hand. Then to the visitor he added, "Take a chair, Doctor."

The physician thanked him and sat down. "Professor Kennedy," he
began, "I have been referred to you by Inspector O'Connor of the
Detective Bureau. It may seem an impertinence for a city official
to call on you for assistance, but--well, you see, I'm completely
floored. I think, too, that the case will interest you. It's the
Vandam case."

If Dr. Hanson had suddenly turned on the current of an induction
coil and I had been holding the handles I don't think the thrill
I received could have been any more sudden. The Vandam case was
the sensation of the moment, a triple puzzle, as both Kennedy and
myself had agreed. Was it suicide, murder, or sudden death? Every
theory, so far, had proved unsatisfactory.

"I have read only what the newspapers have published," replied
Craig to the doctor's look of inquiry. "You see, my friend
Jameson here is on the staff of the Star, and we are in the habit
of discussing these cases."

"Very glad to meet you, Mr. Jameson," exclaimed Dr. Hanson at the
implied introduction. "The relations between my office and your
paper have always been very satisfactory, I can assure you."