human
But don't you see, sir, that in asking you to delay matters I could have no possible motive except to discover the truth, while the motives of those who wish to destroy the body so hastily are at least open to suspicion?
gpt
You should go to the police, was the cold reply.
human
That is what the police are for.
gpt
I can't open a vulgar newspaper sensation until I am surer of my ground.
human
Sorry I can do nothing for you.
gpt
Look here, when you have shipped this body, your interest in it is at an end, isn't it?
human
The ashes will be returned to me in due course. The order includes a handsome urn for their reception.
gpt
A bit of stage-play, said Greg bitterly.
human
It will never be called for. If this body happened to come back here from another direction would you accept an order to embalm it?
gpt
That would hardly be ethical, was the smug reply.
human
Of course if the crematory cared to take the responsibility of departing from my order, you could take it to some other embalmer.
gpt
Can you suggest anybody?
human
Well, there's my son, replied the clay-faced one blandly.
gpt
He is just starting in business for himself. But it's in Brooklyn.
human
That doesn't matter.
gpt
Thank you very much, said Greg dryly.
human
Where is the crematory?
gpt
Silver Pond, Long Island. About eighteen miles out on the Port Franklin branch.
human
What time are you sending the body out there?
gpt
It leaves here about five. I understand they are always put on the eight-fifteen train arriving at Silver Pond about nine.
human
Is the crematory near the station?
gpt
Some three miles distant, I believe; in a very lonely neighborhood.