On perceiving the similarity of the two corridors it became
clear that she might very easily have made such a mistake,
and in that case it was evident that she must have entered
the Professor's room. I was keenly on the alert, therefore,
for whatever would bear out this supposition, and I examined
the room narrowly for anything in the shape of a hiding-place.
The carpet seemed continuous and firmly nailed, so I dismissed
the idea of a trap-door. There might well be a recess behind
the books. As you are aware, such devices are common in old
libraries. I observed that books were piled on the floor at all
other points, but that one bookcase was left clear. This, then,
might be the door. I could see no marks to guide me, but the
carpet was of a dun colour, which lends itself very well to
examination. I therefore smoked a great number of those
excellent cigarettes, and I dropped the ash all over the space
in front of the suspected bookcase. It was a simple trick, but
exceedingly effective. I then went downstairs and I ascertained,
in your presence, Watson, without your perceiving the drift of my
remarks, that Professor Coram's consumption of food had increased
-- as one would expect when he is supplying a second person.
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