Lying across his chest was a curious weapon, a shotgun with the barrel sawed off a foot in front of the triggers.

It was clear that this had been fired at close range and that he had received the whole charge in the face, blowing his head almost to pieces.

The triggers had been wired together, so as to make the simultaneous discharge more destructive.
The country policeman was unnerved and troubled by the tremendous responsibility which had come so suddenly upon him.

"We will touch nothing until my superiors arrive," he said in a hushed voice, staring in horror at the dreadful head.
"Nothing has been touched up to now," said Cecil Barker.

"I'll answer for that.