"But he was not shot in the room, but from the terrace."
Mrs. Belswin started again,
"How do you know that?"
"I don't know it, I only presume so. The body was found lying half in and half out of the window; so my theory is that Sir Rupert came to the open window for a breath of air, and the assassin, concealed in the shadow of the terrace, shot him through the head."
"It's a very excellent theory--still, it is only theory."
"Yes, I know that," said Maxwell, ruefully. "You don't know if Sir Rupert had any enemies, Mrs. Belswin?"
"I! Why I did not even know Sir Rupert himself until I spoke to him that night in his study."
There was no doubt that Mrs. Belswin was a magnificent actress, for she uttered this lie without the least hesitation.
"No, of course not," answered Maxwell, after a pause. "I know he was a stranger to you. Still he must have had enemies. I wonder if Kaituna could tell me."
"Ask her!"