A MYSTERIOUS COMMUNICATION
Ralph stared at the woman, then threw himself back in his chair with a short laugh. He was greatly disappointed in the reply.
"It is ridiculous to believe or even hint that Madame Coralie should be guilty," he remarked sharply. "She proved a very clear alibi. No less than four people--her husband and her three assistants--proved that she was in the still-room when the crime was taking place below."
"Yes," assented Miss Toat, leaning her chin on her hand and her elbow on the table, "that is what puzzles me. The alibi is very clear, and yet--of course, you understand that I am merely theorising."
"Yes! Yes! Yes!"--Shawe made an irritable gesture, for the strain on his nerves was great--"but the idea is ridiculous. If you had accused that dumb girl, who was in the shop on the ground floor when the crime was committed, it would have been more feasible. The bedroom is on the ground floor also."
"I see no reason to accuse Peri Banou," said Miss Toat, quietly.
"And you see a reason to accuse Madame Coralie?"
"Yes. My theory is--"
"Oh, never mind your theory, Miss Toat. Come to facts."
The detective was not at all put out by his short temper, as she saw that his nerves were worn thin, and sympathised with him. With a quick movement she drew the loose notes to her own side of the table. "Very good," she said in a brisk, businesslike tone. "Let us come to facts, if you please. Do you know why Madame Coralie wears a yashmak?"