Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-07-15

Ats, SOue OF us are a little too much
inclined TO be cocksure Mr.. Holmes"
said Lestrade. The mans insolence
was maddening. but we could not re-
sent IL.
What providential thing that this
young man should press his right
thumb against the wall in taking his
hat from the pegi Such a very natural
action, too, IL you come TO think OF it,"
Holmes was outwardly calm. but his
whole body gave a wriggle OF sup
pressed excitement as he spoke. by
the way. Lestrade. who made this re
markable discovery
1T was the housekeeper, Mrs. Lex
ington. who drew the night constable's
attention TO it,"
Where was the night constable?"
"He remained on guard IN the bed
room where the crime was committed
so as TO see that nothing was touched"
But why didn't the police see this
mark yesterdays"
well, we had no particular reason
TO make a careful examination Of the
hall Besides. it's not in a very promi-
nent place. as you see"
mo. no-of course not. I suppose
there is no doubt that the mark was
there yesterday
Lestrade looked at Holmes as IL he
thought be was going out of bis mind
confess that / was myself surprised
both at his hilarious manner and at
his rather wild observation.
Il don't know whether you think that
McFarlane came out OF Jail in the
dead OF night in order to strengthen
the evidence against himself" said
Lestrade. Il leave &c TO any expert
in the world whether that is not the
mark OF his thumb"
1T is unquestionably the mark OF
his thumb"
There. that's enough" said Lestrade.
II am practical man. Mr.. Holmes.
and when l have got my evidence
come TO my conclusions. IL you have
anything 10 say you will find me writ
ing my report In the sitting room"
Holmes had recovered his equanimi-
". though I still seemed TO detect
CLEANS Of amusement In his express
sion.
Dear me. this is very sod devel-
opment. Watson, is IL notT' said he.
And yet there are singular points
about IL which hold out some hopes for
our client"
Il am delighted TO hear IT," said
heartily. Il was afraid 1t was all up
with him"
Il would hardly 90 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. Holmesi What Is ity'
"Only this. that know that that
mark was not there when 1 examined
the ball yesterday. And now, Watson
let us have a little stroll round In the
sunshine"
Wish a confused bran. but with n
heart into which some warmth OF hope
was returning. accompanied my
friend In a walk round the garden.
Holmes took each face OF the house in
turn and examined Il with grcatsinter
est He then led the way inside and
went over the whole building from
basement TO attic. Most OF the rooms
were unfurnished. but none the less
Holmes Inspected them all minutely.
Finally, on the top corridor. which ran
outside three untenanted bedrooms. he
again was seized with n spasm OF mer-
riment
There are really some very unique
features about this case. Watson" said
he. Il think IL is time now that we
took our friend Lestrade into our conf
dence. He has had his little smile at
NJ
as much by him II my reading OF this
problem proves 10 be correct. Yes. yes.
l think l see how we should approach
IT,"
The Scotland Yard detective was stu
writing In the parlor when Holmes in
terrupted him.
Il understood that you were writing
a report OF this case" said he.
80 am !"
Don't you think Il may be a little
prematuref / can't help thinking that
your evidence is not complete"
Lestrade knew my friend too well to
disregard his words. He laid down his
pen and looked curiously at him.
What do you mean, Mr.. Holiness
Only that there is an important wit
ness whom you have not seen"
Can you produce himy"
81 think / can"
'Then do So"
Il Will do my best How many con-
stables have you?"
There are three within call"
Excellent said Holmes. May
ask IL they are al large. ablebodied
men with powerful voicesT"
II have no doubt they are. though 1
fail to see what their voices have 30 do
with It."
Perhaps / can help you to see that
and one or two other things as we'll"
said Holmes. kindly summon your
men, and viii try"
Five minutes later three policemen
had assembled in the hall
en- the clubhouse you will find a con
siderable quantity Of straw" said
Holmes. Il will ask you to carry in
two bundles OF it, i think it will be
OF the greatest assistance in producing
the witness whom ! require. Thank
you very much. believe you have
some matches In your pocket, Watson.
Now Mr. IaSfrade i will ash vot. all