a pair of mud-caked boots was visible through a parlor door , flung askew on the hearth-a good sign , he thought ; stephan must be somewhat recovered , if he were riding-and a small heap of stones , scraps of paper , pencil stubs , detached buttons , grubby bread crusts , coins , and other detritus recognizable as the contents of a man 's pockets was turned out on a silver salver which elsewhere might be intended for visiting cards .