instituted had failed to produce this weapon; but the police
would be here soon and then something would be done. As to the
means of entrance employed by the assassin, there seemed to be
but one opinion. The alcove contained a window opening upon a
small balcony. By this he had doubtless entered and escaped. The
long plush curtains which, during the early part of the evening,
had remained looped back on either side of the casement, were
found at the moment of the crime's discovery closely drawn
together. Certainly a suspicious circumstance. However, the
question was one easily settled. If any one had approached by the
balcony there would be marks in the snow to show it. Mr. Ramsdell
had gone out to see. He would be coming back soon.

"Do you think this a probable explanation of the crime?" I
demanded of Mr. Durand at this juncture. "If I remember rightly
this window overlooks the carriage drive; it must, therefore, be
within plain sight of the door through which some three hundred
guests have passed to-night. How could any one climb to such a
height, lift the window and step in without being seen?"

"You forget the awning." He spoke quickly and with unexpected
vivacity. "The awning runs up very near this window and quite
shuts it off from the sight of arriving guests. The drivers of
departing carriages could see it if they chanced to glance back.
But their eyes are usually on their horses in such a crowd. The
probabilities are against any of them having looked up." His brow
had cleared; a weight seemed removed from his mind. "When I went
into the alcove to see Mrs. Fairbrother, she was sitting in a
chair near this window looking out. I remember the effect of her
splendor against the snow sifting down in a steady stream behind