Larry brought in the rubber boots and the tin of paint. He set them down before Fatty. Tupping's eyes nearly fell out of his head when he saw his own boots there.
"Now," said Fatty, picking up the tin of paint, "here's the paint that was used."
"These boots were worn by the thief," said Fatty, and he pointed to the drops of light-brown paint on them. "And this is the handkerchief he soaked with turps, and used to wipe off the paint as quickly as possible from the cat's tail when he went into the cage — first time with Mr. Goon, second time with Miss Harmer."
"May I see that handkerchief?" said the Inspector with great interest He took it and smelt it. The smell of turps was still very strong on it. Fatty took the stone from his pocket, the one with the smear of light-brown paint on it. He handed it to the Inspector too.
"We found that just outside the cage, sir," he said. "That was one of our clues. The other clue was the smell of turps in the cat-house. Little Bets spotted that. She was a splendid Find-Outer."
Bets went red with joy. The Inspector beamed at her. He looked again at the handkerchief.
"This handkerchief has someone's name on it," he said. "I imagine it is the name of the thief?"
Fatty nodded. Luke leaned forward.
"Who is it?" he said. "Go on! you tell me who it is."
"Yes, whoever is it?" said Miss Harmer.