62
THE SURAKARTA
developed the most surprising feature of this whole remarkable case. The last shot of the envoy had indeed taken effect, as was witnessed by a spot, incontestably of blood, upon the floor in front of the open, empty box. From this larger spot drops of blood led in the direction the thief had gone; but he had not gone toward either of the doors—he had not gone toward the windows. He had gone toward the third side of the room, which offers only a blank solid wall. At the foot of this wall the drops of blood stopped. There were no others to be found anywhere in the room!"
When the account in the newspaper reached this point Max stopped and struck his hands together as a summons. It was answered by the Chinese boy.
"Chang!"
