“I see,” said the inspector. “Can you tell me if this dagger was in its place

then?”

 

Miss Russell looked at the weapon composedly.

 

“I can’t say, I’m sure,” she replied. “I didn’t stop to look. I knew the family

would be down any minute, and I wanted to get away.”

 

“Thank you,” said the inspector.

 

There was just a trace of hesitation in his manner, as though he would have

liked to question her further, but Miss Russell clearly accepted the words as a

dismissal, and glided from the room.

 

“Rather a Tartar, I should fancy, eh?” said the inspector, looking after her.

“Let me see. This silver table is in front of one of the windows, I think you

said, doctor?”

 

Raymond answered for me.

 

“Yes, the left-hand window.”

 

“And the window was open?”