CHAPTER XIV.
Thorndyke Lays the Mine The information supplied by Mr.Samuel Wilkins, so far from dispelling the cloud of mystery that hung over the Blackmore case, only enveloped it in deeper obscurity, so far as I was concerned.

The new problem that Thorndyke offered for solution was a tougher one than any of the others.
He proposed that I should identify and give a name to this mysterious woman.

But how could I?
No woman, excepting Mrs.Wilson, had been mentioned in connection with the case.

This new dramatis persona had appeared suddenly from nowhere and straightway vanished without leaving a trace, excepting the two or three beads that we had picked up in Jeffrey's room.
Nor was it in the least clear what part, if any, she had played in the tragedy.

The facts still pointed as plainly to suicide as before her appearance.