I did. My thumbmark's downstairs on the banister.

They leave some sign... a scratch on the banister, anything.

landing, rang, and called over the balustrade to the housemaid as she appeared in the hall below.

Carter, I warn you, if this contraption should collapse, if the barrister should fall off the bannister...

This is built by composites. It's a single element which rotates around to create a holistic element, and this is a carbon fiber handrail which is only supported in two places.

In what turned out to be an entirely groundless mistrust, Mr. Samsa stepped with the two women out onto the landing, leaned against the railing, and looked over as the three lodgers slowly but steadily made their way down the long staircase, disappeared on each floor in a certain turn of the stairwell, and in a few seconds came out again.