“On the contrary, there was a glow cast on the balcony from the farthest window, which was open a little, wasn’t there?”
“Perhaps. Yes, I think there was.”
“And did you see anybody standing at that window when the shots were fired?”
“You mean on the balcony?”
“Yes.”
“No.”
“That is all, Mrs. Endicott.”
“You don’t believe me.”
“Frankly, I don’t.”
Mrs. Endicott’s expression hardened perceptibly. Whether from bitterness or from some sudden private determination it was difficult to say.
“Does being detained as a material witness prohibit me from getting out of bed and dressing?” she said.
“Not at all. In fact, it is essential that you do so. You see, we detain our material witnesses in jail.”
He heard again, as he had heard it earlier in the night, the muted echo of brass bells in her voice. “If you will leave me then, please?”
“Just as soon as I have searched the room.”
“For what?”
“For a revolver, Mrs. Endicott.”