D=Detective Ken, W=Wilson

D: So, Wilson. What do you believe happened here?

W: It's simple, isn't it? A thief climbed in through the window and stole the painting!

D: Maybe. Or maybe that's just what somebody wants us to think.

W: What do you mean, Ken?

D: Well, let's look at the evidence. Starting at the window. Now, look outside. What can you see?

W: A flower bed with some roses.

D: Exactly. A flower bed. And the ground—is it dry or wet?

W: It must be quite wet—we've had a lot of rain recently.

D: But there are no footprints in the flower bed! How is it possible that the thief walks across the flower bed to the window without leaving footprints?

W: Er…no.

D: It isn't! It isn't possible, Wilson! What we're dealing with here is … a set up! Somebody has arranged the room to look as if a burglary has taken place. Look at the coffee table. What do you notice?

W: It's got a footstool on top.

D: Why has it got a footstool on top?

W: Because the thief wanted to climb up…

D: There was no thief, Wilson! But look how carefully the footstool was put on top of the coffee table. There isn't a scratch! A thief wouldn't be so careful.

W: No, I see what you mean.

D: Who would be so careful, Wilson? Think about it!

W: Er…it's…I suppose…

D: The owner of the table! He wouldn't want to damage it, would he?

W: No, no. He wouldn't want to…

D: So the owner of the table—the owner of Riverford Manor—has arranged everything in this room to look like a Burglary. But the burglary didn't happen.

W: So, where's the oil painting?

D: That's what we need to find out! And I think ________.