When I looked into the parlor the candles and the lamp were out, and there was a struggle going on in the dark.

Then I cried out, very naturally, I'm sure, and ran straight into the arms of these gentlemen, as soon as I could get the front door open." After delivering this address, Jane was called away to assist the doctor in the bedroom, and along with Archie and Random the constable repaired to the pink parlor to hear what they had to say.

Of course they could tell him even less than Jane had told, and Archie protested that he was quite unable to describe the man who had dashed out of the window.
"Ah," said Painter sapiently, "he got out there; but how did he enter ?" "No doubt by the door," said Random sharply.
"We don't know that, sir.

Jane says she did not hear the bell." "Mrs.Jasher might have let the man in, whomsoever he was, secretly." "Why should she, sir ?" "Ah! now you are asking more than I can tell you.

Only Mrs.Jasher can explain, and it seems to me that she will die." Meanwhile, in some mysterious way the news of the crime had spread through the village, and although it was growing late--for it was past ten o'clock--a dozen or so of villagers came along.