The detective waited.
When his friend had in a measure recovered from the shock, he spoke.
“Now tell me the circumstances.”
Joe’s voice was a little unsteady, but it gained strength as he proceeded:
“When I came down this morning it was late for me, but I had not slept well, and felt a raging headache.
“Lillian was in the library, and left me to go down to see if she could not have a cup of strong tea made, which always acts as a sedative with me when I have a headache.
“My thoughts had never gone from that closet and I had already seen that the key was in the door for Lillian had brought it down.
“Hardly had she left the room than I was over there and had the door open.
“I examined the interior but found it all as I had been in the habit of seeing it.
“This surprised me. Could I after all have done her an injustice with my suspicions?