I ran back into the ell, fearful now that he had escaped through a window, yet determined to examine that last room.
There was a rag carpet along the back hall, and, in the semi-darkness, I tripped, falling heavily forward, striking the floor with a crash, my revolver flying from my hand, and hitting the side wall.

I was on my knees in an instant, thoughtless of everything except that I had come into contact with a body.

The shock numbed me, nor could my fingers alone solve the mystery.

I sprang erect, and threw open the nearest side door, permitting the light to stream in.

Then I saw the man's face, upturned, lifeless--the face of Gerald Le Gaire.