“Was there evidence to show that some one had been having tea with Miss Baird?” inquired Penfield.
“Only one cup and saucer and plate had been used, Sir.”
“And the chairs, how were they placed?”
“About as usual, I imagine.” Mitchell looked a trifle worried. “There was no chair drawn up to the tea table, if you mean that. Only Miss Baird’s chair stood close by it.”
“What did you do upon the discovery of Miss Baird’s body?” asked Penfield, after a pause.
“Made sure that she was dead and not in need of a physician, then sent O’Bryan to telephone to the coroner, while Myers and I searched the house,” replied Mitchell.
“Did you find any one in the house?”
“No, Sir. It was empty, except for the dead woman and a cat.”
The inspector’s reply caused a stir of interest, and one juror started to address him, then, conscious of attracting attention, decided not to speak.
“Did you find the windows and doors locked?” inquired Penfield, after a second’s thought.