What best describes the phrase in CAPS?

Question

A pair of muddy shoes in the hallway told me THAT ERIC WAS HOME.

Ans- I think this one's either an adverb clause or a noun clause.

Please help; thanks!
-MC

Answer 1

It's a noun clause that's used as the direct object of the verb "told." Think: told me WHAT? Note, also that the indirect object is "me."

If it were an adverb clause it would answer one of these questions: WHERE? WHEN? WHY? HOW?

Answer 2

Thanks! I understand that now
-MC