The Young Doctor had not an instant's doubt, but he could not at first
fix his suspicions in a likely quarter. He had examined the body, and
there were no marks save bruises at the throat. In his evidence he said
that enormous strength of hands had been necessary to kill so quickly,
for it was clear the attack was so overpowering that there was little
struggle.
The Coroner here interposed a question as to whether it would have been
possible for anyone but a man to commit the crime. At his words everybody
moved impatiently. It was certain he was referring to the absent wife.
The idea of Louise committing such a crime, or being able to commit it,
was ridiculous. The Coroner presently stated that he had only asked the
question so as to remove this possibility from consideration.
The Young Doctor immediately said that probably no woman in the
hemisphere could have committed the crime, which needed enormous strength
of hands.
The Coroner looked round the room. "The widow, Mrs. Mazarine, is not
here?" he said questioningly.
Nolan Doyle interposed. "Mrs. Mazarine is at my ranch. She came there
yesterday evening at eight o'clock and remained with my wife and myself
until twelve o'clock. The murder was committed before twelve o'clock.
Mrs. Mazarine does not even know that her husband is dead. She is not
well to-day, and we have kept the knowledge from her."
"Is she under medical care?" asked the Coroner.
Pages:
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164