"Then you think the murderer burnt the papers?" enquired the inspector in surprise.
"Who else?" asked Malcolm Sage, rising. "Now we'll see the butler."
Whilst the inspector was locking and re-sealing the door, Malcolm Sage walked round the building several times in widening circles, examining the ground carefully; but there had been no rain for several weeks, and nothing upon its surface suggested a footprint.
CHAPTER XII THE MARMALADE CLUE
I
AS Malcolm Sage and Inspector Carfon crossed the lawn from the laboratory, Sir Jasper Chambers was seen coming down the drive towards them.
"There's Sir Jasper," cried the inspector.
When they reached the point where the lawn joined the drive they paused, waiting for Sir Jasper to approach. He walked with long, loose strides, his head thrust forward, his mind evidently absorbed and far away from where he was. His coat flapped behind him, and at each step his trousers jerked upwards, displaying several inches of grey worsted sock.
"Good afternoon, Sir Jasper," said Inspector Carfon, stepping forward and lifting his hat.
Sir Jasper stopped dead, with the air of one who has suddenly been brought to a realisation of his whereabouts. For a moment he stared blankly, then apparently recognition came to his aid.