ning away, but had changed her
mind suddenly and returned. Beyond this nothing could be got out of her.
The divisional surgeon testified that his examination of the deceased
showed a simple fracture of the skull, not necessarily sufficient to
produce death, although capable of doing so when combined with nervous
shock or a weakened condition of the heart. That one or both of the
latter agencies had combined with the result of the blow was evidenced
by Ashton's almost instantaneous death and the look of horror which was
upon his face. There was nothing for the jury to do but render a verdict
stating that Robert Ashton had come to his death through a blow upon the
head, delivered with some sharp instrument by a person or persons
unknown. Said verdict having accordingly been rendered, and the body
removed to an undertaking establishment in Exeter, there seemed nothing
further for me to do but pack up my few belongings and go my way,
knowing no more of the cause of Robert Ashton's death than before. I
knew that Sergeant McQuade was working eagerly upon the case, and I
felt sure that, if the discovery of the murderer were possible, he
would accomplish it, but I had very grave doubts as to his success. I
spoke a few words to him at the close of the inquest, and he informed me
that he intended going up to London early that afternoon to interrogate
the two Chinamen detained there since the preceding day, and, upon my
volunteering to accompany him, he evinced no objection, but on the
contrary seemed rather to welcome my suggestion. I knew perfectly well
that, until the mystery was solved, not only myself, but Major and Miss
Temple and Li Min, as well as the other servants in the house would all
be more or less under police surveillance, and my sudden determination
to go up to London arose from a feeling that I wanted if possible to
stay with this case to the end--a feeling that became intensified
whenever I thought of Muriel Temple and the unfortunate position in
which this affair had placed her. Her exquisitely lovely face, drawn
with suffering, appeared to me constantly, as she had looked at the
coroner's inquest, and I felt with all my heart that, if I could do
anything to help her, I would, cost what it might. I had no very clear
idea as to just what I could accomplish by going up to London, but I
felt sure that I should be more likely to find opportunities for helping
her there, with the detective, than would be the case shou