Ranleigh nodded. Her story was testing up very well on the known points.

"Now, Mrs. Winton, can you give some description of the woman in the
case--her appearance--how she was dressed--anything to aid us in
identifying her?"

"I'm afraid I can't be of much help," Mrs. Winton replied. "She was, I
think, clad in a dark street gown. In the uncertain electric light, I
could not distinguish the colour--and the men were so close to her I had
little chance to see. About all I'm sure of is that it was a woman;
slender and about the average height. I did not see her face."

The Chief nodded again.

"What about the house, Mrs. Winton? Did you see anything unusual before
tonight?"

"I saw no one but the servants--though I didn't look quite all the
time," she added with a smile. "I'm not unduly curious, I think, Major
Ranleigh, under the, to me, unusual circumstances; and in mitigation of
my curiosity, I've told no one of the matter."

"You're a woman of rare discretion, Mrs. Winton," the Superintendent
replied.

"I fear I'm a busy-body," she returned.

"I wish then there were more busy-bodies of your sort. Tell me, could
you recognize the men?"