But the deductive method which he pretended to use--mind you, I say PRETENDED, Cleggett!--is, nevertheless, sound." And then the three detectives gave Cleggett an example of the phenomenal cleverness.
"Mr.Ward," said Wilton Barnstable, "Logan Black entered this hold." "He did," said Barton Ward.
"He is not here now," said Wilton Barnstable.
"He is not," said Watson Bard.
"Therefore he has escaped," said Wilton Barnstable.
"But how ?" said Barton Ward.
"Only a ghost or an insect could leave this hold otherwise than by the hatchway, to all appearances," said Wilton Barnstable.
"Logan Black is not a ghost," said Barton Ward firmly.
"Logan Black is not an insect," said Watson Bard with conviction.
"Then," said Barnstable, "that eliminates the supernatural and the--the----" "The entomological ?" suggested Cleggett.
The three detectives stared at him fixedly for a moment, as if surprised at the interruption.

But if they were miffed they were too dignified to do more than hint it.

Barnstable continued: "There is no such thing as magic." "There is not," said Ward.
"The fourth dimension does not exist," said Bard.
"Therefore Logan Black's exit," said Barnstable, "was in accordance with well-known physical laws.

We are forced to the conclusion that he made his escape through a secret passageway." "A tunnel," said Barton Ward.
"With a concealed door opening into the hold," said Watson Bard.
"A ship with a secret tunnel!" cried Cleggett.

"Who ever heard of the like?
Why, the thing is----" But he broke off.