"But who has been murdered?"
"I suspect that a harmless old female servant, named Katie Mortimer who became aware of a dangerous secret, has been."
"And—by whom?"
"I fear by a woman called Faustina Dugald and a man named Alick
Frisbie."
Now, it is very difficult to surprise or startle an inspector of police. But Mr. Murray was really more than surprised or startled. He was shocked and appalled, as his countenance betrayed when he dropped his pen and fell back in his chair.
"Madam," he said, "do you know what you are saying?"
"Full well, sir; and I entreat you to receive my statement in detail and act upon it with promptitude. Your own investigations will discover how much cause I have for my suspicions," said Claudia firmly.
The inspector drew some writing paper before him, took up his pen, and said:
"Proceed, madam, if you please."
Claudia commenced her statement, but was almost immediately interrupted by the inspector, who said: