human
Good afternoon, sir, said the undertaker with an air that seemed to say further:
gpt
I know the sad errand that has brought you to me, and I feel for you from the bottom of my heart!
human
I understand you received a body from the morgue this afternoon said to be that of a Señor Alfieri.
gpt
Morgue
human
Is it here now?
gpt
May I ask what is your interest in the matter?
human
I represent the dead man's niece.
gpt
Yes, it is here.
human
May I see it?
gpt
Er--Not at the moment. It is being prepared. A little later perhaps--if you will be good enough to bring the necessary authorization.
human
Authorization from whom?
gpt
Señor Alberto Alfieri, the dead man's nephew, who engaged the services of my establishment.
human
Would you mind describing this man to me?
gpt
A young Spanish-American gentleman, short and stocky, very dark, pale skin through which his beard showed though he was freshly shaven, a purplish scar on his left cheek bone.
human
I believe I have met the gentleman, he said dryly,
gpt
That will be too late, sir.
human
What do you mean?
gpt
My instructions are to have the body cremated without delay. I ship to the crematory this evening.
human
I might have guessed as much!
gpt
I don't understand you, sir.
human
You have been deceived! said Greg earnestly.
gpt
This is really the body of Antonio Bareda who was murdered. His murderers are trying to destroy the evidence of their crime.
human
My dear sir! This is a preposterous charge! You may be assured that I satisfied myself everything was in order before I accepted the work.
gpt
How 'in order?'
human
The death certificate, the permit from the Board of Health, the younger Mr. Alfieri's credentials----
gpt
They have both money and influence,
human
The dead man's jewelry was still on his person when the body was brought here.
gpt
Men are murdered for other reasons than to secure their valuables. Look here, if I bring a reputable physician here will you allow him to perform an autopsy?
human
Not without the consent of my client.
gpt
I hope he paid you in advance,
human
Did he give you an address?
gpt
I'll swear it is fictitious. Will you do me the favor of investigating the address?
human
I am not convinced of the necessity for that.
gpt
But you will at least delay the shipment of the body until I can get in communication with the dead man's niece?
human
I intend to carry out my instructions to the letter.