It is horrible to be suspected in this
fashion. I cannot make a move without being watched!"

"It is certainly a cruel situation." The detective paused. "I am sure
of one thing, Miss Langmore."

"And that is--"

"That you are innocent. Those who think you are guilty are fools, as
Mr. Case says."

"Yet more than half the folks around here think that way."

"Let them. We'll set to work to prove their mistake."

"Good!" almost shouted Raymond Case, and his face broke out into a look
of relief. "Then you will take the case, Mr. Adams?"

"I will."

"I know you will succeed."

"If you do succeed, I shall be grateful to you all my life," came from
Margaret Langmore warmly.

CHAPTER IV

DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR

As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and
detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this
somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was
as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

The most tantalizing thing about the whole affair was its simplicity.
Two people had been murdered in their own home in broad daylight. No
one had been seen around the place, and even the manner in which the
foul deed had been committed was a secret.

A score of possibilities presented themselves to his mind when he left
Margaret Langmore and Raymond Case to begin the task he had set before
himself--to clear the fair name of the beautiful girl who had placed
her faith in him and his ability.

"I'll take a look around the house first," he reasoned. "Then I'll
find out a little more about these dead folks and their connections."

Thinking that he must be some noted lawyer from New York, Mrs. Morse
was very gracious to him, and readily consented to show him around.

"Here is the spot where Mrs. Langmore's body was found," said the
woman, leading the way to a bend in the upper hallway. "The servant
girl tripped over it in her hurry, and went sprawling. She was about
scared out of her wits."

"Naturally enough. Do you know how the body was lying?"

"At full length, they say, face downward, and with the fists clenched."

"Was that window open?"

"Yes, but not the blinds."

"Where does that door lead to?"

"Mrs. Langmore's dressing room. The door was open when they found
her--as if she had come out and was trying to get downstairs."

"Humph!" The detective pushed the blinds of the window open and began
to examine the ca