DEATH OF THE ACTOR

Entering the dressing room of Hilary Mantell, lionized matinee idol, Professor Fordney observed the cracked mirror of the dressing table directly opposite the door, glanced at the dead body of Gerald Hooper, then became interested in the gun lying on the carpet and a shattered jar of cold cream lying in the corner.

The two burly policemen stood guard at the door that swung to behind the Professor, Inspector Kelley and Doctor Lyman.

While the physician made his examination Kelley questioned Mantell, whom they found nervously pacing the room.

“Serves him right,” the actor said. “Why that fool tried to kill me, because I’m starring in this play, is beyond me. I admit he was a better actor, and I have told him so, but if the public wants me, can I help it?”

“Of course not,” Kelley suavely replied. “Go on.”

“Well, the door was closed and I was sitting in front of the mirror carefully applying the make-up called for in the play when suddenly a bullet whizzed past my ear. I jumped up and saw Hooper behind me. I grabbed him before he fired another shot, during which time his automatic fell to the floor. I managed to get it. He rose and hurled that cold cream jar at me, so I let him have it. It was his life or mine. There was nothing else to do, was there?”

Fordney, who had been quietly listening, said, “If your story were true you might have been justified, but in all probability it is not!”

Why did the Professor not believe Mantell? Turn page for solution.