We compared the two accounts, word for word, and
weighed statement with statement, but I could not determine, from
anything Lyle said, which of the two versions he had decided to
believe.
"'We are trying to build a house of blocks,' he exclaimed, 'with half
of the blocks missing. We have been considering two theories,' he
went on: 'one that Lord Arthur is responsible for both murders, and
the other that the dead woman in there is responsible for one of
them, and has committed suicide; but, until the Russian servant is
ready to talk, I shall refuse to believe in the guilt of either.'
"'What can you prove by him?' I asked. 'He was drunk and asleep. He
saw nothing.'
"Lyle hesitated, and then, as though he had made up his mind to be
quite frank with me, spoke freely.
"'I do not know that he was either drunk or asleep,' he answered.
'Lieutenant Sears describes him as a stupid boor. I am not satisfied
that he is not a clever actor. What was his position in this house?
What was his real duty here? Suppose it was not to guard this woman,
but to watch her. Let us imagine that it was not the woman he served,
but a master, and see where that leads us.
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