Its surface was covered with fine powdery dust, as were the steps beyond it.

In some excitement I knelt down and examined it.
Beyond doubt there was spoor here.

I knew the Portuguese Jew's footmarks by this time, and I made them out clearly, especially in one corner.

But there were other footsteps, quite different.

The one showed the rackets of rough country boots, the others were from un-nailed soles.