He had proofs--I have not the slightest doubt of that.

I believe he had them in the house when he made his statement to the family." "Then where are they now ?" "They may have been stolen." "For what reason ?" "By some one interested." "The person most interested is Robert Turold's daughter," said Barrant thoughtfully.

"That supposition fits in with the theory of her guilt.
Robert Turold is supposed to have kept valuable papers in that old clock on the wall, which was found on the floor that night.

Apparently he staggered to it during his dying moments and pulled it down on top of him.
For what purpose?
His daughter may have guessed that the proofs of her illegitimacy were kept there, and tried to get them.

Her father sought to stop her, and she shot him." "That theory does not account for the marks on the arm," said the lawyer.
"It does, because it is based on the belief that there was somebody else in the room at the time, or immediately afterwards." "Thalassa ?" "Yes--Thalassa.