same, however; and the dirt on them is sooty, like the dirt on the snow outside the French doors. I've several photographs of them; and I'll know definitely when I get my enlargements under the microscope."
Vance rose and sauntered to the archway.
"May I have your permission to go up-stairs a moment, Sergeant?"
Heath looked mystified. His instinct was to ask a reason for this unexpected request, but all he said was: "Sure. Go ahead."
Something in Vance's manner—an air of satisfaction combined with a suppressed eagerness—told me that he had verified his theory.
He was gone less than five minutes. When he returned he carried a pair of galoshes similar to those that had been found in Chester's closet. He handed them to Captain Jerym.
"You'll probably find that these made the tracks."
Both Jerym and Snitkin examined them carefully, comparing the measurements and fitting the rough patterns to the soles. Finally, the Captain took one of them to the window, and affixing a jeweller's glass to his eye, studied the riser of the heel.
"I think you're right," he agreed. "There's a worn place here which corresponds to an indentation on the cast I made."
Heath had sprung to his feet and stood eyeing Vance.
"Where did you find 'em?" he demanded.
"Tucked away in the rear of the little linen-closet at the head of the stairs."
The Sergeant's excitement got the better of him.
