ALERT FOR THE AIR RAID WARDENS

“Observation of the commonplace—conscious notice of those things which we see almost every day but which most of us do not observe—this faculty, gentlemen, you must develop.” Fordney was addressing a group of West Coast air raid wardens during the war.

“Let me illustrate. Hearing a cry from an office building, an air raid warden located a dying man in a third floor office. Blood was spurting from several knife wounds. Calling an ambulance he turned to the janitor.

“‘What do you know about this?’ he demanded.

“‘Not much. As I was cleaning the hall I noticed fresh blood on the hinges of Mr. Dawson’s door here, so I tried the door. It was unlocked. I pushed it open a few inches and saw him lying there by the desk.’

“‘Was the light on?’

“‘Yes—and the shades were drawn.’

“‘See anybody leave this office tonight?’ the warden queried, noting the top desk drawer was open.

“‘Saw a woman walking down the hall about ten minutes ago but I don’t know which office she came from.’

“The air raid warden,” Fordney continued, “looked intently at the janitor.

“‘Touch anything in here?’

“‘No.’

“The warden stepped out into the hall. He noted the janitor’s pail, mop, wringer and wash cloth—the latter showing indications of blood. The warden noted many things but failed to observe the single, commonplace thing (or recall it to his mind) which would have told him immediately the janitor was lying.”

What was it? Turn page for solution.