'You see!' said Athelney Jones, reappearing down the steps again; 'facts are better than theories, after all. My view of the case is confirmed. There is a trap-door communicating with the roof, and it is partly open.'
'It was I who opened it.'
'Oh, indeed! You did notice it, then?'He seemed a little crestfallen at the discovery. 'Well, whoever noticed it, it shows how our gentleman got away. Inspector!'
'Yes, sir,' from the passage.
'Ask Mr. Sholto to step this way.—Mr. Sholto, it is my duty to inform you that anything which you may say will be used against you. I arrest you in the Queen's name as being concerned in the death of your brother.'
'There, now! Didn't I tell you!' cried the poor little man, throwing out his hands, and looking from one to the other of us.
