"I didn't stop to pick up my physician," Goldberger was saying. "But
the cause of death is plain enough."

"Doctor Hinman here is a physician," I said, bringing him forward. "If
he can be of any service...."

Goldberger glanced at him, and was plainly favorably impressed by
Hinman's dark, eager face, and air of intelligence and self-control.

"I shall be very glad of Dr. Hinman's help," said Goldberger, shaking
hands with him. "Have you examined the body, sir?"

"Only very casually," answered Hinman. "But it is evident that the
cause of death was strangulation."

"How long has he been dead?"

Hinman lifted the stiff hand again and ran his fingers along the
muscles of the arm.

"About four hours, I should say."

Goldberger glanced at his watch.

"That would put his death at a little before midnight. The murderer
must have come in from the grounds, crept up behind his victim, thrown
the cord about his neck and drawn it tight before his presence was
suspected. The victim would hardly have remained seated in the chair
if he had known his danger. After the cord was round his throat, he
had no chance--he could not even cry out. There's one thing I don't