He snored all the way home.
The next morning two farmers drove madly into Tinkletown with the astounding news that some one had been murdered at schoolhouse No.5.

In passing the place soon after daybreak they had noticed blood on the snow at the roadside.

The school-room door was half open and they entered.
Blood in great quantities smeared the floor near the stove, but there was no sign of humanity, alive or dead.

Miss Banks's handkerchief was found on the floor saturated.
Moreover, the school-teacher was missing.

She had not returned to the home of Mrs.Holabird the night before.