"It was," Monsieur Dupont agreed from the rear. "It was designed for the most abominable crime of making men and women go backwards instead of forwards. And last night it attained the height of its purpose."
For an instant Copplestone glanced back at him, a quickening in his dull eyes. A moment afterwards they turned a final corner, and emerged on to the broad lawns, sloping down to the edge of the river.
Copplestone halted, and looked round, measuring distances. Then he moved on, keeping close to the trees.
"About here, I think," said the clergyman, pausing.
Copplestone stopped a few paces ahead.
"It was very dark," he said, looking at the ground. "I don't think I knew exactly where we were. As near as I can judge, it was just here."
"There ought to have been some sign left to mark the place when the body was taken away," the inspector said sharply.
"You will find," said the quiet voice of Monsieur Dupont, "a pencil in the ground at the exact spot. It is a useful pencil, and I should be obliged if you would kindly return it to me."
The inspector shot him a rather grim smile. All, except Copplestone, bent down to look for the sign.
"Here it is," Tranter exclaimed, pulling a pencil out of the ground. They stood aside to give the inspector room.