“You are observant, Crowell,” said Zull, approvingly. “I don’t even recall the incident. Was it after we had examined the place?”
“No, sir, it was while you were walking around, thinking. The rug was near the door of that room, too. I only noticed it because you straightened it, just like from force of habit.
“I never thought anything about it until now — seeing the corner of this rug reminded me of the other one.”
“Just a coincidence, Crowell,” said Zull, laughing. “Nevertheless, it shows keen observation. The point is this: apply your talent to more important use. Watch me study this.”
ZULL began a minute inspection of the chair in which the body lay. He picked up the gun and examined it.
He glanced at the table under the glare of the desk lamp. He produced a microscope to study its surface more closely.
While he was thus engaged, a policeman entered the room, followed by two men.
“Reporters,” he announced. “What shall I do with them?”
Inspector Zull looked up. He recognized the two men. He remembered the name of one of them — Clyde Burke, now on the staff of the Classic.
“Hello, boys,” he said. “Stay up here if you want; but keep out of the way for a while. I’m pretty near through my preliminary inspection.