The Case of the Missing Paper

As I stood over Mr. Wentworth, lying on his desk, I asked the butler, Mr. Tanner what had happened.

“Well I was locking the front door when I first heard the voices from the library. I was surprised because I didn’t know that Mr. Wentworth had a visitor but just as I approached the library door …”

“Yes go on Mr. Tanner” I said.

“Yes Sir – I heard the shot, for a moment I was confused, then I opened the library door and Mr. Wentworth was lying forward over his desk, a bullet wound in his temple. I saw a piece of paper clasped in his hand and then a tingling sensation of fear shivered up my spine. I somehow knew I wasn’t alone.“

“Did you see someone?” I interrupted.

“No, I didn’t see anyone but I somehow realized that the murderer was there. I had the feeling that he was waiting so that he could get the piece of paper.”

“Did you take it Mr. Butler?” I said.

“I did Sir. That is — I slipped it into a book that was on the desk.”

“But there is no book here on the desk” I said.

“He must have taken it after all. I even remember the title of the book sir, it was the Widow’s Surprise. I quickly slipped the paper between pages 77 and 78 but just as I did, the murderer darted out the door behind me. I ran after him and the next thing I knew, someone struck me over the head.”

“No Mr. Tanner, it didn’t happen that way did it?” I said. “Hold out your hands. Your under arrest for the murder of your employer Mr. Wentworth.”

What was the one clue that told Detective Nose that the butler was lying?

The case of the Missing paper was adapted from the OTR show “Five Minute Mysteries” which is in the public domain. More Two Minute Mysteries