"And, of course, with a light within and darkness outside you could see me still more plainly."
"I suppose so," he assented.
"Now for the second test. I hear my name called, I lay aside my book and meerschaum, push back my footrest, and go to the door. I can see nothing as I open it," I was suiting the action to the word, "so I fling it wide open, and step outside. Now, Long, that spot of blood tells me just about the location of Bethel's head when you discovered him. Will you point out the spot where his feet rested?"
Long considered a moment and then laid two fingers on the step.
"There, as nearly as I can remember," he said.
I planted my own feet on the spot indicated by him.
"Now, please go to the gate. Go outside of it. There are some bits of paper scattered about; do not step where you see any of these."
He obeyed my directions, striding over and around the marked places.
"Now," I called, retaining my position on the door-step, "step about four feet from the gate, and from that distance how must you stand to take aim at me, on this spot?"