The policeman also asserted that he was again on the spot--i.e., in the roadway opposite the cottage--at eleven.

At these times the assassin could not have escaped without being seen.

There is no exit at the back, as a high wall running round an unfinished house belonging to the eccentric Lord Caranby blocks the way.

Therefore the assassin must have ventured into the roadway.

He could then have walked up the lane into the main streets of Rexton, or have taken a path opposite to the gate of Rose Cottage, which leads to the railway station.