In a few moments, the sheet of paper, the big inkstand, and the pen were ready.

It was in the big inkstand.

Any one passing through the library would be able to see the open knife lying in the big inkstand.

Without saying a word, he seized his big inkstand filled with black ink and threw it at the crow, which was immediately covered.

"As you passed through the library, did you happen to notice whether the knife was in its place in the big inkstand?"