“Was his trunk locked?”
“No, sir.” Mitchell paused. “I examined its contents, but I could not find any razor or strop.”
“Were his overcoat and hat in his closet?”
“No, nor downstairs in the coat closet,” was Mitchell’s prompt response. “I questioned all the servants and Mrs. Porter, and they say that Dr. Noyes owned a large grip with his initials—it is missing, and I conclude that he has taken it with him, for Murray declares that some underclothes and one suit of clothes are missing.”
“I see.” Coroner Black frowned, then glanced toward Thorne, and the latter addressed the detective.
“Have you found any trace of burglars breaking into the house last night, Mitchell?”
“No. And I examined the ground about this house very thoroughly, as well as every window catch and keyhole; none have been tampered with. The servants declare they were securely locked last night, and found in the same condition this morning.”
Thorne laid aside the pencil he had been twisting about in his fingers and pointed to the blood-stained razor.
“Did you find finger marks on this razor?”
“No, none.” Mitchell looked glum. “We tested every article in Mr. Brainard’s bedroom and could not find a trace of finger prints.”