The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-02-19


 taken by my orders this morning?p
 As he held the waxen print close to the blood-stain, it did not take a mog- nifving glass to see that the two were undoubtedly from the same thumb. It was evident to me that our unfor tunate client was lost.
 That is final" said Lestrade.
 "Yes. that's final" l involuntarily echoed.
 It is final,n said Holmes.
 Something in his tongue caught my ear. and l turned to look at him. An extraordinary change had come over his face. It was writhlng with inward merriment. His two eyes were shin Ing like stars. It seemed to me that he was making desperate efforts to restrain @ conYulsiVe attack of laughter.
 Dear mel Dear mel" he said at last. Well, now, who would have thought it? And how deceptive ap- pearances may be, to be sure Such nice young man to look at! It is a lesson to us not to trust our own judgment, is 1t not Lestrade?n
 "Yes, some of us are a little too much inclined to be e0cksure, MT. Holiness" said Lestrade. The mans insolence was maddening, but we could not resent it.
 What providential thing that this young man should press his right thumb against the wall in taking his hat from the peg Suci very nat ural action, too, if you come to think of it." Holmes was outwardly calm, but his whole body gave a wriggle of suppressed excitement as he spoke. By the way, Lestrade who made &1.4 -ISa Hl r., f4i
 Ut was the housekeeper Mrs Lex ington, who drew the night consta- ble's attention to it."
 "Where was the night constable?" He remained on guari in the bed room where the crime was committed, so as to see that nothing was touched.h
 But why didn't the police see this mark yesterday?'
 Well. we had no particular reason to make a careful examination of the hall. Besides, it's not in very prom inent place, as you sec
 "No, no-of course not. I suppose there is no doubt that the mark was there yesterday"
 Lestrade looked at Holmes as if he thought he was going out of his mind. I confess that I was myself surprised 
 his rather wild observation.
 'I don't know whether you think that McFarlane came out of gaoI in the dead of the night in order to strengthen the evidence against him self" said Lestrade. q leave 1t to any expert in the world whether that is not the mark of his thumb"
 There. that's enough, said Les trade. 'I am a practical man, MT. Holmes, and when I have got my evi- dence I come to my conclusions. If you have anything to say you will find me writing my report in the sit ting room.'
 Holmes had recovered his equanimi- ty, though I still seemed to detect gleams of amusement in his express sion.
 Dear me, this Is very sad devel- opment, Watson, Is it not?' said he. And yet there are singular points about 1t which hold out some hopes for our client"
 'I am delighted to hear it." said I. heartily. "I was afraid it was all up with him"
 "I would hardly go so far as to say that my dear Watson. The fact is that there is one really serious flaw in this evidence to which our friend attaches so much importance.
 Indeed Holmesl What Is it?'
 "Only this. that 1 know that that mark was not there when I examined the hall yesterday. And now, Watson, let us have little stroll round in the sunshine"
 With a confused brain, but with heart Into which some warmth of hope was returning I accompanied f..ga T Holmes took each face of the house in turn, and examined it with great interest. He then led the way in- side. and went over the whole build ing from basement to attic. Most of the rooms were unfurnished, but none the less Holmes inspected them all mnutely Finally. on the top corri- dor. which ran outside three unten- anted bedrooms. he again was seized with a spasm of merriment.
 There are really some very unique features about this case, Watson said he. T think 1t Is time now that we took our friend Lestrade Into our confidence He has had his little smile at our expense, and perhaps we may do as much by him, if my reading of this problem proves to be correct. Yes. yes. I think see how we should approach it.
 The Scotland Yard inspector was still writing in the parlour when Holmes interrupted him.
 'I understood that you were writing a report of this case" said he.
 'So I am."
 Don't you think 1t may be a little premature9 I can't help thinking that your evidence Is not complete
 Les-rade knew my friend too well to disregard his words He laid down his pen and looked curiously at him. What do you mean, MT. Holmes?' Only that there is an important witness whom you have not seen." Can you produce him?"
 ''I think l can"
 Then do so.'
 'I will do my best. How many con- stables have yon?'
 There are three within call"
 "Excellent!' said Holmes May I ask If they arc all large, able-brdied men with powerful Voices?"
 T have no doubt they are, though I fail to see what their voices have to do with it'
 Perhaps l can help you to see that and one or two other things as well" said Holmes. Kindly summon your men, and l will try"
 Five minutes later three policemen had assembled in the hall
 In the outhouse you will find considerable quantity of straw said Holmes "I will ask you to carry in two bundles of it. l think 1t will be of the greatest assistance in produce ing the witness whom I require. Thank you very much. I. believe you have some matches In your pocket, NAfe Al I ,I1 ask you all to accompany me to the top landing'