But we only have his word for it that it was left out. It had to have been SAID that it was left out in order for Sheila -losing her grip on reality, we're encouraged to believe- to have become aware of it being there.
It is very surprising that Bamber did not put the rifle back in the gun cupboard after returning inside.
It is also very surprising that Bamber put the rifle sprawling across the kitchen table, knowing supper was about to be served.
It is very surprising that the table was not already laid for supper prior to Bamber putting the rifle on it.
It is also very surprising that Nevill or June did not tell Bamber to remove the rifle from the kitchen table prior to supper.
It is also very surprising that Nevill or June did not remove the rifle from the kitchen table themselves before supper.
It is very surprising that the 4 of them ate supper with the rifle sprawled across the kitchen table.
It is very surprising that after having supper with the rifle on the table, Nevill, June or Bamber still didn't remove the rifle.
It is very surprising that the kitchen table was set for Breakfast. But the rifle was still not put away.