The Setup
Inspector Hargreaves has been called to the reading room of the Athenaeum Club, where a valuable first-edition Dickens has vanished from a locked display case. The club secretary, Mr Fenton, insists the book was present at 3pm when he gave a tour to a visiting member. Only three people had keys to the case: Fenton himself, the librarian Miss Poole, and the club president Lord Ashworth. Each has provided a written statement.
Statement of Mr Reginald Fenton, Club Secretary
I conducted a tour of the reading room for our guest, Mr Hartley, at precisely 3pm. I recall pointing out the Dickens first edition in its case, as it is one of our finest acquisitions. Mr Hartley and I then took tea in the smoking room until half past four, at which point he departed. I returned to the reading room at a quarter to five and found the case empty.
I had not unlocked the case at any point during the day. My key has been on my watch chain since morning. I saw Miss Poole leave the club at half past two, and she did not return before I discovered the theft. Lord Ashworth was in the card room all afternoon — I heard his voice through the wall while I was giving the tour.
Statement of Miss Poole, Librarian
I left the club at half past two to visit the bookseller on Pall Mall regarding new acquisitions. I returned at a quarter past five to find the commotion. I have not opened the display case since last Thursday, when I rotated the exhibit. My key is kept in my desk drawer, which I lock when I leave.
Statement of Lord Ashworth, Club President
I arrived at the club at noon and went directly to the card room, where I played whist until nearly five o'clock. I did not enter the reading room at any time. Several gentlemen can confirm my presence at the card table without interruption. I keep my key at home in my study and did not bring it to the club today.
The Question
One of the three statements contains a contradiction that reveals the thief. Who stole the book, and what is the contradiction?