A TRAGIC QUARREL

“It was horrible, being so close and still unable to save her!” Ben Jordan falteringly told Professor Fordney. “I was walking up the garden path toward the house when I saw her, through the window, stand on the stool, throw the rope over the beam, knot it, and then jump off. When I reached her I was so horrified I fainted. When I regained consciousness I was afraid of being accused of murdering her, but when I came to my senses I cut her down and notified the police.”

While the beam from which Jordan said his wife hanged herself was unmarked, Fordney quickly noticed the heel prints on the overturned three-legged stool. The knot, still in the one inch rope, had marked the woman’s beautiful throat. He also knew the rope had been freshly cut—no mistake about that.

“If only I hadn’t gone for a walk after our quarrel,” continued Jordan, “this tragedy would never have happened!”

The Professor examined the corpse. Symptoms of hanging were visible, face bluish in color, froth on the mouth, and tongue protruding.

“As a routine question, Jordan,” he asked, “did you meet anyone on your walk who could prove your alibi?”

“Why…no…not that I am conscious of…I was upset.”

“You murdered your wife!” Fordney stated emphatically, staring at the man’s shoes.

How did he know? Turn page for solution.