Ichabod Crane: [Studies the horse tracks surrounding Jonathan Masbath's dead body, and takes giant footsteps] The stride is gigantic! The attacker rode Masbath down, turned his horse, and came back. Came back to claim the head.
[Takes a small bottle out of his bag and starts sprinkling powder near the severed neck. The powder sizzles]
Ichabod Crane: Yes. There's a chemical reaction. It shows there was a powerful, singular thrust to the neck.
[Puts on strange goggles]
Ichabod Crane: Now.
[Using tongs, he lifts the skin of the neck and a beetle runs out. He shudders]
Ichabod Crane: Interesting.
Baltus Van Tassel: What is it?
Ichabod Crane: The wound was cauterized in the very instant, as though the blade itself were red-hot. And yet, no blistering, no scorched flesh.
Samuel Philipse: The Devil's fire.