"But the dagger----"
"Precisely, madam. The criminal did not bring it with him, therefore, he did not enter this house with the intention of committing a crime. The deceased was afraid of this man and thus took your stiletto so as to keep him at his distance. Probably she threatened him with it, and there was a struggle during which she was murdered. Then the assassin searched the house."
"For what?" asked Mrs. Sellars, shaking her head sadly.
"For this strange jewel, described by Miss Carrol."
"It wasn't in Martha's possession when----"
"Quite so," interrupted the coroner, dryly; "but the assassin evidently believed that Mrs. Pentreddle possessed it. He struggled with her to see if it was concealed upon her, and when she drew forth the stiletto with which she had provided herself, it was used to kill her. Then the assassin, as I said before, searched the bedrooms. One thing I would ask you, Mrs. Sellars, before we close the evidence. Did anyone know that Mrs. Pentreddle would be alone on the night of her death?"
"She wasn't alone. Miss Carrol was with her."
"Yes, I know. But did anyone know that the house would be empty?"
"I can't say. Of course, Sammy's play was talked about a lot, and everyone said they were going. I even let the servants go, and----"
"Yes, yes! But do you think anyone outside the house knew that there would be a clear field?"