“They came from the orchard,” he said, “and after the rain.”
“The rain fell at two o’clock,” said Chick.
Nick turned to Sawtelle.
“It is your notion that you were knocked down as soon as the thieves entered the room?” he asked.
“Of course.”
“Isn’t it remarkable that Charley was not awakened?”
“He is a heavy sleeper.”
“What did he say in the morning?”
“I don’t remember.”
The young man was becoming nervous and impatient, and Nick and his assistant left the room, first asking permission to return later and search for further traces of the burglars. In five minutes’ time, however, the young man passed them in the hall and went downstairs.