"And one that I neither countenance nor under-stand," interpolated
Mr. Sutherland. "I have just shown my displeasure at her actions
by dismissing her from my house."

The coroner gave him a quick look, seemed about to speak, but
changed his mind and turned toward the dead woman.

"We have a sad duty before us," said he.

The investigations which followed elicited one or two new facts.
First, that all the doors of the house were found unlocked; and,
secondly, that the constable had been among the first to enter, so
that he could vouch that no disarrangement had been made in the
rooms, with the exception of Batsy's removal to the bed.

Then, his attention being drawn to the dead woman, he discovered
the key in her tightly closed hand.

"Where does this key belong?" he asked.

They showed him the drawers in the cupboard.

"One is empty," remarked Mi. Sutherland. "If the other is found to
be in the same condition, then her money has been taken. That key
she holds should open both these drawers."

"Then let it be made use of at once. It is important that we
should know whether theft has been committed here as well as
murder." And drawing the key out, he handed it to Mr. Fenton.