“And by which she might have taken Lynne out? That is utter nonsense, Patsy.�
“The whole affair looks like utter nonsense on the face of it, and yet—well, it’s an affair, if anybody should ask you.â€�
“Quite right.�
“If I might speak now, sir,� said Thomas.
“Certainly. What is it?� replied the detective.
“I have already told you that I searched every room in the house as soon as I missed Mr. Lynne.�
“Yes.�
“There is a door on the north side of the house, on the first floor, that has not been opened since I have been here, and is still locked and bolted as it was the first time I ever saw it. There is no window on that side of the house that is not fastened securely. You may examine them for yourself if you like, but I personally know such to be the case.�
The detective pondered for a moment. He seemed to accept the statement of the servant as final and convincing. His mind was considering other matters, just then, than the method by which the unknown woman had been admitted to the house.
“Thomas,� he said, after a moment, “have you looked to see what clothing of Mr. Lynne’s is missing?�