“Reg and I were working that side of the stage,” Ernest said, “and Mr. Irving himself stands there between announcements.”

“And the trunk was exactly where before it was brought onto the stage?”

“I’ll show you,” I said. “I saw Houdini himself double-check it right before the act.”

“And did you happen to see if it was empty then?”

“It was,” I said. “I saw him open it.”

“And how long have you been his assistant, miss?” Detective MacAffrey asked.

“I’m just taking the place of his wife, since she suffered that accident earlier this week,” I said.

“I see.” MacAffrey glanced at Daniel. “So you’re new to this theater? Have you worked with Houdini before? Does Captain Sullivan have all the details of where you’ve worked before tonight?”

“I have a complete statement from her, MacAffrey,” Daniel said, holding up a hand to stop the question. “I’ll fill you in on all the details on the cab ride back to Mulberry Street.”

“Can we go yet?” one of the audience volunteers demanded angrily. “I’ve given my statement. I don’t know if my wife has gone home or if she’s still waiting for me outside and I certainly don’t want her on the street alone at this time of night.”

Daniel glanced at MacAffrey. “I think we can let them go, don’t you? If you have names and addresses and statements from everyone here.”

“I think so, sir.”

“Very well then. Off you go.” He looked up at the theater manager. “I presume you’ll want to stay around to make sure the place is secured for the night. We may be a while yet.”

Mr. Irving shrugged resignedly. “And my stage doorkeeper? Can he go home?”

“We’ve already questioned him, sir,” one of the constables said to Daniel. “He claims Houdini could not have come past him, and he confirms that the man called Marvo left before Houdini’s act started.”

“I think I’d like a brief word with him myself before he goes,” Daniel said. “I’ll escort this young woman out that way and find her a cab. It’s time she went home too.” He ushered me from the stage.

Once we stepped into the gloom beyond the side curtains he moved closer to me. “How well do you know this place?”

“Not that well. I know where the dressing rooms are and I’ve poked around a bit backstage.”

“You know which dressing room was Houdini’s?”

“Of course.”

He sighed. “I don’t suppose there is any point in taking another look in it. My men will have done a thorough job.”

“And there’s nowhere to hide. It’s quite Spartan in there.”

“All the same, I think I will take a look. He may have left some kind of clue that has been overlooked. Where is it?”