This destroyed another of Mr Thompson's premises. He had taken it for granted that a diamond had been used.
'Oh!' he said, 'was that pane not cut by a diamond; what did the burglar use, then?'
'No. No diamond. Diamond would have left smooth surface. Smooth as a razor edge. This is like a saw. Amateurish work. Can't say for certain, but probably done with a chisel.'
'With a chisel? Surely not.'
'Yes. Probably with a chisel. Probably the man knocked the pane out with one blow, then removed all the glass so as to make it look like the work of an old hand. Very good idea, but amateurish. I am told that three cups have been taken. Could you tell me how long they had been in the Pavilion?'
Mr Thompson considered.
'Well,' he said. 'Of course it's difficult to remember exactly, but I think they were placed there soon after one o'clock the day before yesterday.'
'Ah! And the robbery took place yesterday in the early morning, or the night before?'
'Yes.'
'Is the Pavilion the usual place to keep the prizes for the Sports?'