The major was prepared for this question, and as he did not intend that the visit of Isabella to the house should become known to the police, he answered it in a guarded fashion. "Mr. Sarby went out as soon as we discovered the loss, and he has not yet returned." "Was he with you when you made the discovery?" "No. He had retired to bed," rejoined Jen. "But as soon as I saw what had taken place I called him up, and he jumped through the window to see if he could espy any traces of the robbers. Then the servants came, and I sent for you." Inspector Arkel, who could not see one inch beyond his nose, was quite satisfied with this explanation, and nodded in reply. He left the room with the major to seek out Jaggard, and, if possible, to learn from him what had occurred. But this they were unable to do. The man had been stunned by a blow on the head, and was quite insensible. "And yet he was a strong man," said Etwald, when he conveyed this intelligence. "He must have been taken by surprise." "Undoubtedly," asserted Jen, readily. "But he must also have been asleep, else he would have called out as the men burst through the window." "How do you know there were more than one?" asked Etwald, in a jesting tone. "Because Maurice was an unusually heavy man," replied the major, "and he could not have been carried off--that is, his body could not have been carried off," he corrected, with a sigh, "unless by two men. There may have been three, for all I know. But what is the meaning of it all?" cried Jen, in bewildered dismay. "Why was the poor lad's body stolen?" "Resurrectionists!" suggested Arkel; whereupon Major Jen shuddered. "For God's sake, don't even hint at such a thing," he cried, vehemently. "It would be too terrible; and, as it happens, quite unbelievable. It is incredible that such a thing could occur nowadays." "It is incredible that such a thing as the theft of a body should occur," said Etwald, dryly. "Yet it has taken place. But where is Mr. Sarby? I should think that he would be present to aid you." Jen was just about to repeat his feigned explanation regarding David's absence, when the door opened, and the young man, wet and exhausted, entered the room. To give him his cue, the major spoke to him at once. "You are just in time, David, as I was telling these gentlemen about your hunt after those wretches. Did you see anyone?" "I saw nothing," said David, wearily. "God knows what has become of the body!" "Have you any theory, Mr. Sarby?" "No, doctor! I am too weary to frame theories at this hour of the night. But, no doubt, Mr. Inspector yonder, can--" "Certainly not," interrupted Arkel, sharply. "I can prove nothing. I am quite puzzled." "And no wonder," said Etwald, counting off events on his fingers. "The devil-stick, the murder, the theft of the body. This is a catalogue of horrors. A man might do worse than write a story on these things."