“By Jove, that’s as true as death and taxes,” Chick agreed, after following Nick through the gate. “It also indicates, at least, that the persons who stole the body supposed Margate to be dead.”
“It does appear so.”
The earth in the alley was more damp than in the yard, and was of a grayish clay that readily retained an imprint.
That which at once had caught Nick’s eye was that of a long box, such as caskets are inclosed in for burial. It had been placed on the ground, into which it had sunk just enough to leave a perfectly definite impression of its outlines, presumably when a heavy body was placed in it.
Through the alley leading to the side street, moreover, were numerous footprints; but these were so intermingled and partly obliterated, like those in the yard, as to be of no great value.
Crouching upon the ground, however, Nick made a discovery that would have escaped the observation of most men. It was hardly perceptible, but the keen eyes of the famous detective seldom missed anything out of the ordinary.
“By Jove, here’s a remarkable clew,” said he, suddenly looking up. “I remember none like it.”
“What do you mean?”
“Look closer.”
Nick pointed to the rectangular surface contained within the plainly discernible outlines of the box.[{9}]