There were no footprints visible in the red clay of the natural passage-way between the inn wall and the hill, either beneath the window of Ronald's room or Mr.Glenthorpe's window.
"The absence of footprints means nothing," said Galloway.

"Ronald may have climbed from one room to the other in his stocking feet, and then put on his boots to remove the body.

Even if he wore his boots he might have left no marks, if he walked lightly." "I am not so sure of that," said Colwyn.

"But what do you make of this ?" He pointed to an impression in the red earth underneath Mr.Glenthorpe's window--a line so faint as to be barely noticeable, running outward from the wall for about eighteen inches, with another line about the same length running at right angles from it.

Superintendent Galloway examined these two lines closely and then shook his head as though to intimate he could make nothing of them.
"What do you think they are ?" said Mr.Cromering, turning to Colwyn.
"I think they may have been made by a box," was the reply.
"You are not suggesting that the murderer threw a box out of the window ?" exclaimed Superintendent Galloway, staring at the detective.
"Look how straight the line from the wall is! A box would have fallen crookedly." "I do not suggest anything of the kind.