"Let's hear from you," said the old detective.
"Very well," was the reply. "The first thing of importance I have to mention is the traces of footprints I found in the yard just north of the Ernst homestead."
"Ah! footprints, eh? Were they plain—distinct?"
"Some of them were quite so. You see, the parties, whoever they were, that went through this yard, walked over ground that has been recently planted with vegetables, and the tracks of their boots or shoes are still discernible."
"But have you any good reason for supposing these tracks were made by the parties we are looking for?"
"It is quite evident, from the direction they take, that those who made them came from the Ernst back yard, and proceeded to the fence on the north boundary-line of the property next beyond. There are also what I regard as unmistakable signs on the high board fence where some one tried to climb that fence very recently."
"You measured the footprints?"
"Yes, sir."
"Could you get casts of them?"
"I managed to get two or three, but none that are quite perfect."