had to determine her fate through inference and deduction.

He was convinced she was dead—murdered, and her body hidden beneath an old drain-pipe at
Putney by human hands. What motive could someone have for killing a
beautiful, high-minded woman like Lady Dyke, whose life was known
to those around her and untouched by scandal?

The key to the mystery might be found at Raleigh Mansions, but Bruce
decided to focus on other aspects of his investigation first.

He began his investigation at Putney, where the body had been
discovered. The workmen had completed their operations the
day before Bruce arrived at the site—forty-eight hours after he had vowed to uncover the truth without pause.

Bruce observed the location—a large empty house with a lawn leading to the river, bordered by a narrow lane. He examined the spot where the drainage work had been done but did not pay much attention to the point where the pipe entered the Thames, as it was a recent feature.

He visited the contractor who had carried out the work and learned about the repairs done to the drainage system. The house had been empty for some time, previously a school, and was now awaited new tenants with a large family.

Bruce then spoke to the local police inspector but found no new information regarding the drowned woman. When he inquired about a small piece of iron found in the woman's skull, he discovered it had been sent to Scotland Yard.

He also visited the surgeon who conducted the post-mortem examination and learned that the woman had been murdered. The iron spike found in her skull had caused her death through a fatal blow to her brain.

The doctor believed the woman was of high social standing, based on his examination of her remains. Despite the attempts to conceal her identity, the doctor was convinced she led a life of wealth and refinement.

Bruce, determined to solve the mystery and bring justice to Lady Dyke, sought to unravel the tangled web of secrets surrounding her disappearance and death, starting with the clues found at Putney.Bruce thanked his informant and hurried back to London. A telegram
to Inspector White preceded him. He had not long reached his
Victoria-street chambers when the detective was announced. He soon made
known his wishes. "I want you to give me 

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