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“Don’t say it!” Henderson cried. “Who could do such a thing? Here in Tommy’s place?”

“It is certain that she did not fall on it,” the doctor went on. “Had she done so, her head would be nearer the bronze. As you see, it was down by her knees—it was hidden by her tunic. It was used as a club”

“Or as a missile,” Henderson added.

The doctor looked up quickly. “You’re sharp,” he said. “Yes, or as a missile. And if the latter, it was a strong arm and an angry man who flung it!”

“Who is she?”

“I’ve no idea. But I know few people here. I just ran in for a few minutes at the invitation of a friend.”

Doctor Gannett himself had worn a simple black domino, which he had already thrown aside, appearing in ordinary evening dress.

He turned from the body on the floor, and said, “We must notify the police. I think the best thing is to call in the officer on the beat and let him take charge. Where is Mr. Locke?”

“He will be here as soon as they can get hold of him,” Henderson returned, beginning to wonder himself why he, who knew Locke only slightly, was thrust into this prominent position.

Gannett opened the door, to find many anxious, horrified people crowding about.

“Where is Mr. Locke?” he spoke, commandingly. “Bring him here, somebody. And somebody else ask the policeman outside to come in. If you don’t see him promptly, telephone Headquarters. There has been a very serious accident. No one must leave the house until some investigation is made. And now, who knows the name of the lady who appeared in a very handsome Oriental costume,