In short, she did not descend into the
roadway and did not come out by the door...."
"Was there a gallery outside the window?"
"No; it was impossible to climb to right or left of the window or up
on to the roof. I convinced myself of that."
"But, my dear man!" I cried, "you are eliminating every natural mode
of egress! Nothing remains but flight."
"I am aware, Petrie, that nothing remains but flight; in other words,
I have never to this day understood how she quitted the room. I only
know that she did."
"And then?"
"I saw in this incredible escape the cunning hand of Dr.
Fu-Manchu--saw it at once. Peace was ended; and I set to work along
certain channels without delay. In this manner I got on the track at
last, and learnt, beyond the possibility of doubt, that the Chinese
doctor lived--nay! was actually on his way to Europe again!"
There followed a short silence. Then--
"I suppose it's a mystery that will be cleared up some day," concluded
Smith; "but to date the riddle remains intact." He glanced at the
clock. "I have an appointment with Weymouth; therefore, leaving you to
the task of solving this problem which thus far has defied my own
efforts, I will get along."
He read a query in my glance.
"Oh! I shall not be late," he added; "I think I may venture out alone
on this occasion without personal danger."
Nayland Smith went upstairs to dress, leaving me seated at my
writing-table deep in thought.
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