“The man who handled it wore gloves,” he said slowly.

“A pity,” said Sir Oswald.

“A man who knew his business would wear gloves. Am I right in thinking, Sir Oswald, that you found this pistol just about twenty yards from the bottom of the steps leading up to the terrace?”

Sir Oswald stepped to the window.

“Yes, almost exactly, I should say.”

“I don’t want to find fault, but it would have been wiser on your part, sir, to leave it exactly as you found it.”

“I am sorry,” said Sir Oswald stiffly.