This he had insisted on, and when Mr.Loomis and the detective came in their turn to question him on this point he insisted on it again.

The mystery seemed complete,--at least to the manager.

But the detective was not quite satisfied.

He asked the man if at any time that day, before or after Mrs.
Ransom's disappearance, he had swung the door open for a lady who walked lame.

The answer was decisive.