I stared at him, for the moment nonplussed. Then turning, caught his eye. I could see that there was more to come.
It came! “Also, Bill, I would call your attention to two very important facts. Important, that is, in relation to the line of investigation that we are at present conducting. Look at the toes of your shoes.”
I did as directed.
“Slightly scraped,” I said ruefully, “getting up to that window of yours.”
“Exactly, laddie. Exactly. Now for important fact number two.”
“I’m all attention.”
“Well, just as the wall has had its effect on your shoes, so have your shoes had their effect on the wall. See?”
He pointed to the brickwork. It was quite true. My shoes had made a perceptible discoloration where they had rubbed as I had struggled for my foot-grip.
“And what is more, Bill,” continued Anthony, “it’s comparatively dry now. Last night was wet, remember. And it may interest you to know that the wall was perfectly clean when I arrived here just now, and Prescott’s shoes are certainly not scraped.”
“Sure?” I queried.