"But, look here," said Mr. Octagon, who had been ruminating; "if, as the doctor says, death was instantaneous, how could your aunt have rung the bell?"
"Yes," added Juliet. "And even had death not taken place at once, it could not have been more than a few minutes before eleven when the blow was struck. Aunt might have had strength to crawl to the bell and touch it, but the assassin could not have escaped from the house, seeing—as you say—the policeman was on guard."
"Aunt died instantaneously," insisted Basil.
"Then she could not have sounded the bell," said Juliet triumphantly.
"The assassin did that," said Peter.
"And thus called a witness," cried Basil. "Ridiculous!"
"Then how do you explain the matter?"
"I can't explain. Neither can the detective Jennings. It's a mystery."
"Could any of the servants—" began Peter.
"No," interrupted Saxon. "The four servants were having supper in the kitchen. They are innocent. Well, we'll see what the inquest reveals. Something may be found before then likely to elucidate the mystery. But here comes Mallow. He questioned Jennings also, so you can question him if you like. Does mother know?"