| 220 | 221 | 222 | 223 | 224 |
| 1 | 90 | 180 | 269 | 359 |
|
impossibilities. It is only left for us to prove that these apparent
impossibilities' are, in reality, not such.
'
"
There are two windows in the chamber. One of them is unobstructed by
furniture, and is wholly visible. The lower portion of the other is
hidden from view by the head of the unwieldy bedstead which is thrust
close up against it. The former was found securely fastened from within.
It resisted the utmost force of those who endeavored to raise it. A
large gimlet-hole had been pierced in its frame to the left, and a very
stout nail was found fitted therein, nearly to the head. Upon examining
the other window, a similar nail was seen similarly fitted in it; and
a vigorous attempt to raise this sash, failed also. The police were now
entirely satisfied that egress had not been in these directions. And,
therefore, it was thought a matter of supererogation to withdraw the
nails and open the windows.
"
My own examination was somewhat more particular, and was so for the
reason I have just given--because here it was, I knew, that all apparent
impossibilities must be proved to be not such in reality.
"
I proceeded to think thus--à posteriori. The murderers did escape
from one of these windows. This being so, they could not have refastened
the sashes from the inside, as they were found fastened;--the
consideration which put a stop, through its obviousness, to the scrutiny
of the police in this quarter. Yet the sashes were fastened. They
222
Page
Quick Jump
|