Maybe it is.
Hey? Have you a theory? and the Coroner looked up suddenly.
Anything but! Theres no possible theory that will fit the facts.
Except the truth.
Yes, except the truth. But it will be long before we find that, Im afraid. It strikes me its at the bottom of an unusually deep well.
Well, youd better find it. Itd be a nice how dy do for you to fall down on this case!
Theres no falling down been done yet. And it may well be that the very fact of there being such strange and irreconcilable conditions shall prove a help rather than a hindrance.
And then, all being in readiness, the lifeless form of Miss Carrington, once the proud domineering autocrat, now laid low, was borne to a distant room, for the autopsy that might cast a further light on the mystery of her tragic death.
V
A MANS GLOVE
Inspector Brunt and the young detective, Hardy, were interviewing the members of the household in the library, and the task was not an easy one. The two girls were distinctly at odds, and Gray Haviland, whether authoritatively or not, persisted in assuming a major rôle.
It seems to me, Haviland said, that it is the most remarkable mystery that has ever occurred in the experience of you police people. Now, I think the wisest plan is to call in a big detective, no offence, Mr. Hardy, but I mean a noted fellow, like Stone, say, and let him get at the root of the crime.
I think, Gray, and Pauline looked very haughty, that any such suggestion would come better from me. I am now mistress of the place, and it is for me to say what we shall do.
I know it, and Haviland looked no whit abashed, but you know Carr Loria is equally in authority, even if he isnt here, and you see
I dont see that Carrs absence gives you any authority!
But it does, in a way. As Miss Lucys man of affairs, I ought to look out for the interests of her heirs, at least, for the absent one. Im sure Loria would want to do everything possible to find the murderer.
Has this nephew been notified yet? asked Inspector Brunt.
Yes, returned Pauline; weve telephoned a cablegram to the city to be sent to him in Egypt. But I dont know when he will get it, nor when well get a response.
Where is he?
His permanent address is Cairo, but he is off in the desert, or somewhere, so much that sometimes he is away from communication for weeks at a time. Still Ive sent it, thats all I can do.
What did you tell him?
I made it rather long and circumstantial. I told him of Aunt Lucys death, and that she was killed by a blow on the head by a burglar, which fractured her skull. I asked him if he would come home or if we should go there. You see, we were intending to sail for Egypt in February.
Who were?
Myself, my aunt, Miss Frayne and Mr. Haviland. Carrington Loria has been begging us to make the trip, and at last Aunt Lucy decided to go. Our passage is engaged, and all plans made.
And now ?
Now, I do not know. Everything is uncertain. But if the burglar can be found, and punished, I see no reason why I, at least, shouldnt go on and make the trip. The others must please themselves.
Pauline looked at Anita and at Haviland with a detached air, as if now they were no longer members of the household, and their plans did not concern her.
Not so Haviland. Sure Ill go, he cried; I fancy Carr will be mighty glad to keep me on in the same capacity I served Miss Carrington. Hell need a representative in this country. I doubt hell come over, theres no need, if I look after all business matters for him.
What does he do in Egypt? asked the Inspector, who was half engrossed looking over his memoranda, and really took slight interest in the absent heir.
Hes excavating wonderful temples and things, volunteered Anita, for Pauline and Gray were looking, amazed, at a man who came into the room. He was the detective who had been left in charge of the boudoir, and he carried a strange-looking object.
What is it? cried Pauline.
Its a black-jack. replied the detective. I found it, Inspector, just under the edge of the tassel trimmin of the lounge. The fellow slung it away, and it hid under the fringe, out of sight.
Gravely, Inspector Brunt took the weapon. It was rudely made, of black cloth, a mere bag, long and narrow, and filled with bird shot.
Thats the weapon! declared Brunt. A man could hit a blow with that thing that would break the skull without cutting the skin. Yes, there is no further doubt that Miss Carrington was murdered by a burglar. This is a burglars weapon; this it was that crushed the shell comb to fragments, and fractured the skull, leaving the body sitting upright, and unmutilated. Death was, of course, instantaneous.
But the jewels! said Detective Hardy, wonderingly; why
I dont know why! said Brunt, a little testily; that is for you detectives to find out. I have to go by what evidence I find. Can I find a broken skull and a black-jack in the same room and not deduce a burglarious assault that proved fatal? The thief may have been scared off or decided he didnt want the loot, but that doesnt affect the certainty that we have the weapon and therefore the case is a simple one. That burglar can be found, without a doubt. Then we shall learn why he didnt steal the jewels.
But the snake? said Pauline, looking wonderingly at the Inspector; the burglar must have been a maniac or an eccentric to put that snake round my aunts neck after he killed her, and nothing will ever make me believe that she allowed it there while alive!
Thats what I say, put in Haviland; the whole affair is so inexplicable, excuse me, Mr. Brunt, but I cant think it such a simple case as you do, that I think we should engage expert skill to solve the mysteries of it all.
That must come later, and Inspector Brunt resumed his usual gravity of manner which had been disturbed by the discovery of the black-jack. Will you now please give me some detailed information as to the circumstances? Is the house always securely locked at night?
Very much so, answered Haviland; Miss Carrington was not overly timid, but she always insisted on careful precautions against burglary. She had a house full of valuable furniture, curios, and art works besides her personal belongings. Yes, the house was always supposed to be carefully locked and bolted.
Whose duty is it to look after it?
The butler Haskins, and his wife, who is the cook, had all such matters in charge.
I will interview them later. Now please tell me, any of you, why Miss Carrington was arrayed in such peculiar fashion, last evening.
I cant imagine, said Pauline. My aunt was not a vain woman. I have never known her to sit before a mirror, except when necessary, to have her hair dressed. It is almost unbelievable that she should deliberately don those jewels and scarf and sit down there as if to admire the effect. Yet it had that appearance.
But she wore the jewels during the evening, did she not?
Not all of them. She wore her pearls, because, as she told us, and as I have often heard her say, pearls must be worn occasionally to keep them in condition. But she added a large number of valuable gems or, some one did, after we left her last night.
Whom do you mean by we?
Miss Frayne and myself. We were in her room, to say good-night to her, and we left at the same time.
At what time?
About quarter past twelve, I should think, wasnt it, Anita? We went upstairs about midnight, and were with my aunt ten or fifteen minutes.
Were your good-nights amicable? asked the Inspector, and Pauline looked up in surprise. Then, recollecting the last words of her aunt, she shut her lips obstinately and made no reply.
Indeed, they were not! declared Miss Frayne; Miss Carrington told both Miss Stuart and myself that it would be our last night beneath this roof! That to-day we must seek some other home, for she would harbor us no longer!
Ah! And why did she thus treat you?
There was no especial reason, and Anitas lovely blue eyes looked straight at the Inspector with a pathetic gaze, she was in a tantrum, as she frequently was.
She didnt mean it, put in Pauline, hastily.
She did! asseverated Anita; Ive heard her threaten to send us away before, but never so earnestly. She meant it last night, I am sure. And, too, she knew something would happen to her last night, she said so.
What? whats that?
Do hush, Anita! said Pauline; those foolish words meant nothing!
Proceed, Miss Frayne, and the Inspector spoke sternly.
She did, went on Anita. I dont remember the exact words, but she said I little knew what was going to happen to her, and she said to-morrow you may sing another song! Surely such words meant something!
If they did, said Pauline, angrily, they merely meant that she was going to dismiss you to-day!
Not at all, and Anita glanced at her, she distinctly said something would happen to her, not to me.
You know better than to take things she said in a temper, seriously! If we are to repeat idle conversations, suppose I say that I heard you say last evening that youd like to kill her!
I didnt! shrieked Anita.
You did, declared Pauline, calmly; and Gray said she ought to be killed, too. I know you didnt mean to kill her, but Ive just as much right to quote your foolish words as you have to quote hers.
Nonsense! said Haviland; let up, Polly! You two are always at each other! As there is no question as to who killed poor Miss Lucy, why rake up our foolish words spoken under the intense provocation of her exhibition of temper, which was specially trying last night. Inspector, can we tell you anything more of importance?
So far the Inspector had been almost silent, and appeared to be learning some points from the conversation not addressed to him. Now, he changed his manner, and began briskly to ask questions.
This glove, he said, holding it out, was, as you know, found clasped in her hand. Is it yours, Mr. Haviland?
No, said the young man, as, after a close examination of the glove he handed it back; no, it is a size smaller than I wear, and it is of a different make from mine.
Have you any idea whose it can be? It is highly improbable the burglar left it.
Ive no idea, and Haviland shrugged his shoulders. But if it was not left by the intruder, where could it possibly have come from? It is a mans glove.
Could it be one of Cousin Carrs? said Pauline. Aunt Lucy was awfully fond of anything of his. She kept one of his caps in her drawer for months, after he left the last time.
No, replied Haviland; it isnt Lorias. He wears larger gloves than I do. My theory points to a sort of gentleman burglar, a Raffles, you know, and I think he talked with Miss Lucy, before he struck that blow, and disarmed her mind of fear.
What an extraordinary idea! and Pauline looked thoughtful.
But how else explain the glove?
And the snake? Did your gentleman burglar persuade her to wear that paper thing? Never! Gray, youre absurd!
Another thing, went on Inspector Brunt, returning the glove to his roomy pocket-book; In the bedroom we noticed a glass of milk and beside it an empty plate. Was it the ladys habit to have a night lunch?
Yes, said Anita; but she rarely ate it. In case of insomnia, she had ready a light repast, but she almost never touched it.
The glass of milk is still untouched, said Brunt, but the plate is empty. What did it contain?
A sandwich, I think, said Anita. That is what Estelle usually prepared for her. She will know, Estelle, the maid.
Miss Carringtons ladys maid?
Yes; though not hers exclusively. She was expected to act as maid for Miss Stuart and myself also, at such times as Miss Carrington didnt require her services.
And she, then, brought the breakfast tray, that is upset on the floor?
Yes; Miss Lucy always had an early cup of tea, before she dressed for breakfast with the family.
And the maid took it to her this morning? Did she not then discover the the tragedy?
She says not! cried Pauline; but Im sure she did! She says she saw Miss Lucy at the mirror, and thinking her engrossed, merely left the tray on the tabouret and went away.
Ridiculous! exclaimed Haviland; What does Estelle mean by such lies? Of course she saw Miss Carringtons strange appearance, of course she was frightened out of her wits, and of course she dropped the tray and ran. But why not say so? And why not give an immediate alarm? She took that tray, probably, about eight. Pauline went up at nine. What was Estelle doing all that time? Why didnt she go in to dress Miss Carrington? I tell you, Mr. Inspector, theres a lot of queer work to be explained, and with all due respect to the force, Im pretty sure youll need expert service if youre going to get anywhere. And Im sure, too, that if we can get word to Carrington Loria and back, hell say spare no trouble or expense to avenge his aunts murder. He is equally heir with you, Pauline, and he ought to be consulted.
The will hasnt been read yet, said Miss Stuart; we cant assume anything until that is done.
Pshaw! you know perfectly well half of the bulk of the estate is yours and half Carrs. I have a small slice and Miss Frayne a bit. The older servants have small legacies, and there are a few charities. That, Mr. Brunt, is the gist of the will. Do you not agree with me, that as I was the man of business for the late Miss Carrington, I am justified, in the absence of Mr. Loria, in continuing my services, at least, until we can get definite directions from him?
Those matters are outside my province, Mr. Haviland. Miss Carringtons legal advisers will doubtless come here soon, and such things will be decided by them. Now, heres another point. I noted in the course of our investigation in the boudoir a quantity of powder fallen on the floor near the dressing table, in such relation to it that it would seem Miss Carrington was using the face powder as she sat there. Was this her habit?
Her habit? Yes; said Anita, Miss Carrington was in the habit of using face powder, even cosmetics. It is not strange then, that such a proceeding was part of her night toilette.
No, not at all, agreed Mr. Brunt. But where the powder was thickest, on the hard floor, near the rug, was a muddled spot, as if some one had wiped out or swept up a mark or print. Can any of you explain this?
No one spoke, and the stern voice went on. I remember, Miss Stuart, that you began to say something bearing on this while we were in that room, and you suddenly stopped, appearing confused. I ask you why?