"I am delighted the matter is so completely accounted for," his friend returned. "What fools we were ever to have taken it so tragically."
But his expression changed as he glanced at Edith Morriston; she had denied that she had been in the room.
"I have sent down to the police to tell them of the discovery," Morriston was saying. "The fact is that since the tragedy the servants appear to have rather shunned this part of the house, or at any rate to have devoted as little time to it as possible. Otherwise this would have come to light sooner. Anyhow it is a source of congratulation to Miss Tredworth and you, Edith. Of course you must have been in here."
"I remember sitting just there; ugh!" Miss Tredworth said with a shudder.
"I can swear to that," Kelson corroborated with a knowing smile.
"You must have done the same or brushed against the sofa, Edith," Morriston said cheerfully. "Well, I'm glad that's settled, although it brings us no nearer towards solving the mystery of what happened overhead."
"No," Kelson remarked. "It looks as though that was going to remain a mystery."
The butler came in. "Major Freeman is here, sir," he said, "with Mr.
Henshaw, and would like to speak to you."
Morriston looked surprised. "Alfred has been very quick. We sent him off only about a quarter of an hour ago."
"Alfred met Major Freeman and Mr. Henshaw with the detective just beyond the lodge gates, sir."