"There was, your lordship," the man replied, "and I have regretted
several times since that I did not mention it at the inquest. The
cleaners were here on the morning of that day, and the window at the
farther end of the room was unfastened--I even believe that it was
open."

Nigel rose and examined the window in question. It was almost flush with
the ground, and although there were iron railings separating it from the
street, a little gate opening from the area entrance made ingress not
only possible but easy. Nigel returned to his chair.

"I can't understand this not having been mentioned at the inquest,
Brookes," he said.

"I was waiting for the question to be asked, your lordship. It was
perfectly clear to every one there, if your lordship will excuse my
saying so, that both the coroner and the police seemed to have made up
their minds that it was a case of suicide."

Nigel nodded.

"I had the same idea with reference to the coroner, at any rate,
Brookes," he said. "So long as the verdict was returned in the form it
was, I am not sure that it was not better so."

He dismissed the man with a little nod and sat turning over the code
books which still stood upon the table.

"You and I, at any rate, Maggie, know the truth," he said, "and so long