If West had retained any lingering doubt as to what had occurred the previous night, this doubt had entirely vanished in the face of Sexton's testimony.

His visitor, and the one who had ordered the servant to leave the side door unlocked, had been the same--not Natalie Coolidge, but strangely resembling her.

Whoever she was, she knew the house well, and possessed some means of entrance.

Whatever else her purpose might be, one object was clearly connected with the presence there of Percival.

She had sought his room, fleeing immediately on discovering it to be occupied by another.