“On the contrary, too many! I can see too much light. It’s part of me to distrust the too-glaringly obvious.”
“Dashed if I follow you. Tell me of these clues that have hit you so forcibly.”
“Listen then. We have the following indisputable facts:
“(1) Prescott is found dead in the billiard room—stabbed with a weapon with which you all appear to be familiar.
“(2) There is evidence of a struggle.
“(3) The window of the room is wide open—distinctly suggesting the entrance of an outsider—or possibly the exit.
“(4) This is most important—he is fully dressed with the exception of the shoes—one of which is minus a lace. And there is mud on those shoes.
“(5) His pockets are empty—pointing to robbery.
“(6) He was murdered between twelve o’clock and five o’clock—approximately. We shall learn more from the doctor as to that.” He paused. “All very significant. And I have three other clues at the moment which exercise me considerably. Two in what I will term ‘Group A’ and one in ‘Group B.’ That is to say—they don’t exactly fit.” He blew a smoke-ring and shook his head.
“What are they?” I queried excitedly.