The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-02-19

this remarkable discovery
at was the housekeeper. Mrs. Lex
ington, who drew the night con-
stables attention to it,
Where was the night constable 20
"He remained on guard in the bed
room where the crime was commit
ted, so as to see that nothing was
touched"
"But why didn't the police see this
mark yesterday"
Well we had no particular reason
to make careful examination of the
hall. Besides, it's not in very prom
inent place, as you see."
mo, no--of course not. / 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 1 was myself surprised
both at his hilarious manner and at
his rather wild observation.
II don't know whether you think
McFarlane came out of gaol in the
dead of the night in order to strength
Ell the evidence against himself" said
Lestrade. II leave it TO any expert
in the world whether that is not the
mark of his thumb
1T is unquestionably the mark OF
his thumb
trade. II am a practical man. Mr.
Holmes, and when l have got my
evidence | come to my conclusions
If YOU have anything to say, you VIII
find me writing my report in the sit
ting room"
Holmes had recovered his equani-
nifty. though / still seemed to detect
CLEANS of amusement in his express
sion,
Dear me. this is very sad devei-
opment, Watson, is it not?" said he.
And vet there are singular points
about it which hold out some hopes
for our client
Il am delighted to hear it." said 1.
heartily. II was afraid it was all up
with him.
Il 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, Holmes! What is it?'
"Only this: that l know that that
mark was not there when / examined
the hall yesterday. And now, Wat
son, let us have q little stroll round III
the sunshine"
With a confused brain. but with n
heart into which some warmth or
hope was returning, | accompanied
my friend in a walk around the gar
den. Holmes took each face of the
house in turn, and examined it With
great interest. He then led the way
inside, and went over the whole build
ing from basement 10 attic. Most of
the rooms were unfurnished, but none
the less Holmes inspected them all
minutely. Finally, on the top corri-
dor. which ran outside three unten-
hnd h. in
with spasm Of merriment.
There arc really some very uni
que features about this case, WAT
son." said he. Il think it is time
now that we took our friend Lestrade
into our confidence. He has had his
little smile at our expense, and per-
haps we may do as much by him, il
my reading of this problem proves to
be correct. Yes, yes | think l see
how we should approach it,"
The Scotland Yard Inspector was
still writing in the parlour when
Holmes Interrupted him.
II understood that YOU were writ
ing report Of this case said he.
$50 l am.
Don't you think it may be a little
premature? I cant help thinking
that your evidence is not complete"
Lestradel knew my friend too well
to disregard his words. He laid down
his pen and looked curiously at HON.
What do you mean, Mr.. Holmcs?"
"Only that there is an important
witness whom YOU have not see"
Can YOU produce him?"
81 think / can"
"'rhen do So"
II will do m" best. How many
constables haze YOU"
There arc three within call"
Excellent said Holmes. MAY
ask ii they arc all large, able-bodicd
men with powerful voices?"
~ have no doubt they are, though
fail TO see what their voices have
to DO with it,
Perhaps | can help you 10 see that
and one or two other things Us WE'LL"
said Holmes. "kinly summon your
men, and I will try"
Five minutes later. three policemen
had assembled in the hall.
IN the clubhouse you will find a
considerable quantity of straw said
Holmes. II will ask you to carry In
two bundles Of it, I think it will be
of the greatest assistance in produce
ing the witness whom ! require.
Thank you very much. | believe you
have some matches in your pocket.
Watson. Now. Mr. LeStrade, / will
dHh sOu " accompany ihS W lllC lcp
landing
AS | have said, there was a broad
corridor there, which ran outside
three empty bedrooms. At one end
of the corridor we were all marshalled
by Sherlock Holmes. the constablcs
grinning and Lestradc staring ut my
friend with ama2ement, expectation,
and derision chasing each other across
his features. Holmes stood before US
with the air of conjurer who is per-
forming o. trick.
Would you kindly send one Of your
constabes for two buckets of water?
Put the straw on the floor here, free
from The wall on either side. Now I
think that we arc all ready"
Lcstrade's face had begun TO grow
red and angry.
II don't know whether you are
playing u game with US. Mr.. Sherlock
Holiness" said he. "If you know any
thing. you can surely say it without
all this tomfoolery."
II assure you, my good Lestrade,
that ! have an excellent reason for
everything that / do. You may posi-
bly, remember that YOU chaffed me a
little. some hours ago, when the sun
SepD med IN vour side of tho n ticcc So