Inspector.  Quite so.  This is just clearing the ground, sir.

Winsor.  General, d’you mind touching that bell?

Canynge rings a bell by the bed.

Inspector.  Well, gentlemen, there are four possibilities.  Either the thief was here all the time, waiting under the bed, and slipped out after this gentleman had gone to Mr Winsor.  Or he came in with a key that fits the lock; and I’ll want to see all the keys in the house.  Or he came in with a skeleton key and out by the window, probably droppin’ from the balcony.  Or he came in by the window with a rope or ladder and out the same way. [Pointing] There’s a footmark here from a big boot which has been out of doors since it rained.

Canynge.  Inspector—­you er—­walked up to the window when you first came into the room.

Inspector. [Stiffly] I had not overlooked that, General.

Canynge.  Of course.

     A knock on the door relieves a certain tension,

Winsor.  Come in.

     The footman Robert, a fresh-faced young man, enters, followed by
     Treisure.

Inspector.  You valet Mr—­Mr De Levis, I think?

Robert.  Yes, sir.

Inspector.  At what time did you take his clothes and boots?

Robert.  Ten o’clock, sir.

Inspector. [With a pounce] Did you happen to look under his bed?

Robert.  No, sir.

Inspector.  Did you come up again, to bring the clothes back?

Robert.  No, sir; they’re still downstairs.

Inspector.  Did you come up again for anything?

Robert.  No, Sir.

Inspector.  What time did you go to bed?

Robert.  Just after eleven, Sir.

Inspector. [Scrutinising him] Now, be careful.  Did you go to bed at all?

Robert.  No, Sir.

Inspector.  Then why did you say you did?  There’s been a theft here, and anything you say may be used against you.

Robert.  Yes, Sir.  I meant, I went to my room.

Inspector.  Where is your room?

Robert.  On the ground floor, at the other end of the right wing, sir.

Winsor.  It’s the extreme end of the house from this, Inspector.  He’s with the other two footmen.

Inspector.  Were you there alone?

Robert.  No, Sir.  Thomas and Frederick was there too.

Treisure.  That’s right; I’ve seen them.

Inspector. [Holding up his hand for silence] Were you out of the room again after you went in?

Robert.  No, Sir.

Inspector.  What were you doing, if you didn’t go to bed?

Robert. [To Winsor] Beggin’ your pardon, Sir, we were playin’ Bridge.