“Those were never Hessie’s ‘feetprints,’ for, big as her feet are, she never wears boots like those!” giggled Bobby.
“He was a shuffler—that fellow,” said Jess. “See how blurred the marks are at the heel?”
“And he shuffled right up to this window—And how do you suppose he opened it, if, as Mr. Jackway says, it was locked on the inside?”
“Mystery!” said Bobby.
“Give it up,” added Jess. “What do you say, Mother Wit?”
“That is the way he opened it,” said Laura, softly, looking up from the foot prints.
“What’s that?” cried Jess.
“Why—I hear you talking, but you don’t say anything!” laughed Bobby. “How did he open it?”
“From the inside,” said Laura.
“Why, Laura!” gasped Nellie. “You do not distrust Mr. Jackway?”