"And the wooden doll?"
"I confess that is an extraordinary detail, though 'detail' is hardly the right word; the wooden doll is, so to say, the central figure in this mysterious problem; let us, therefore, follow its track. First, then, the doll was sent to Dreyel from America. Secondly, it worried him as though he expected something unpleasant to follow. Thirdly, in a telegram from 'E.R.' he was admonished to keep a watchful eye upon the doll since Toroni had learnt the secrets. Fourthly, before 'E.R.' could have a personal interview with Dreyel, he was murdered by some one who stole the wooden doll. One can't overlook the importance of the odd little figure. Tell me, did you ever have it in your hands?"
Tom nodded. "Yes, the very first time Dreyel showed it to me."
"Was it hollow inside?"
"No, it was absolutely solid wood throughout."
"Was there nothing to unscrew?"
"No, certainly not."
Rather disconcerted, Wallion said: "And wasn't there a mark of any kind?"
Tom sat up. "Well, now that you have mentioned it, I do recollect having noticed some figures cut in the wood on the sole of one of the feet."
"Aha!" exclaimed Wallion.