"Well, what make of it ? "

" written in train; the good writing represents stations, the bad writing movement, very bad writing passing over points scientific expert would pronounce at once was drawn up on suburban line, since nowhere save immediate vicinity of great city could there be so quick succession of points Granting that his whole journey was occupied in drawing up the will, then the train was an express, only stopping once between Norwood and London Bridge "

Lestrade began to laugh

" too many begin theories, Mr Holmes," said he "How does this bear case ? "

"Well, it corroborates the young man's story extent will was drawn up by Jonas Oldacre journey yesterday curious -- not ? -- that man should draw up so important document in so haphazard fashion It suggests that think going of much practical importance If man drew up will which intend ever effective he might so "

"Well, he drew up his own death-warrant same time," said Lestrade

"Oh, so ? "

"Don't you ? "

"Well, quite possible; but the case clear yet "

"Not clear ? Well, isn't clear, what clear ? young man who learns suddenly that if certain older man dies succeed to fortune What does he do ? nothing to anyone, but he arranges that he shall go out on some pretext his client that night; he waits until the only other person house is in bed, and then solitude of man's room he murders him, burns his body wood-pile, and departs to neighbouring hotel The blood-stains room and also stick are very slight probable that he imagined his crime bloodless one, and hoped that body were consumed it would hide all traces method death -- traces which for some reason pointed to him Is all this not obvious ? "

"It strikes me, my good Lestrade, as being just trifle too obvious," said Holmes " add imagination to your other great qualities; but moment put yourself place young man, would you choose the very night will made to commit your crime ? Would it not seem dangerous so very close relation two incidents ? Again, would you choose an occasion known house, when servant has let you in ? And, finally, would you great pains to conceal the body and yet leave your own stick as sign that you were the criminal ? Confess, Lestrade, that all very unlikely "

" stick, Mr Holmes, as I criminal is often flurried and does things which cool man would avoid very likely afraid back room another theory fit the facts "

" very easily half-a-dozen," said Holmes "Here, for example, is very possible and even probable one I make you free present of it The older man is showing documents which are of evident value passing tramp sees them window, the blind of only half down Exit the solicitor Enter the tramp ! He seizes stick, which he observes there, kills Oldacre, and departs after burning the body "

"Why should the tramp burn the body ? "

" matter why should McFarlane ? "

"To hide some evidence "

"Possibly the tramp wanted to hide that any murder at all committed "

"And why did the tramp take nothing ? "

"Because they were papers that negotiate "

Lestrade shook his head, though it seemed that his manner was less absolutely assured than before

"Well, Mr Sherlock Holmes, look for your tramp, and while finding him hold on to our man The future will show right Just notice this point, Mr Holmes: that as papers were removed, and prisoner one man who had no reason for removing them, since heir-at-law and would come into them in any case "

My friend seemed struck remark

"I don't mean to deny evidence is in some ways very strongly in favour of your theory," said he "I only wish to point out other theories possible say, the future will decide Good morning ! I dare say that course day drop in at Norwood how getting on "

detective departed my friend rose and made his preparations day's work alert air of man who has congenial task before him

"My first movement, Watson," said he, as he bustled into his frock-coat, "must, as , be direction of Blackheath "

"And Norwood ? "

"Because in one singular incident coming close heels of another singular incident The police are making the mistake of concentrating their attention second, because it happens the one actually criminal But evident logical way to approach the case is by trying to throw some light first incident -- the curious will, so suddenly made, and to so unexpected an heir It may do something to simplify what followed No, my dear fellow, I don't think help me no prospect of danger, or I dream of stirring out without you I trust that when you evening to report that something unfortunate youngster who has thrown himself upon my protection "

late when my friend returned, and I by glance at his haggard and anxious face high hopes he had started fulfilled For an hour he droned away upon his violin, endeavouring to soothe his own ruffled spirits At last he flung down the instrument and plunged into detailed account misadventures

"It's all going wrong, Watson -- all as wrong as it can go I kept bold face before Lestrade, but, upon my soul, I believe that for once the fellow is right track and wrong All my instincts are and all the facts are the other, and I much fear that British juries attained that pitch of intelligence when give the preference to my theories over Lestrade's facts "

"Did you go to Blackheath ? "

"Yes, Watson, I went there, and very quickly late lamented Oldacre was pretty considerable black-guard The father was away in search son The mother was at home -- little, fluffy, blue-eyed person, in tremor of fear and indignation , not admit even the possibility guilt But not express either surprise or regret over the fate of Oldacre contrary, she spoke of him bitterness that she was unconsciously considerably strengthening the case police, for, , if her son had heard her speak man fashion it would predispose him towards hatred and violence ` more like malignant and cunning ape than human being,' said she, `and he always was, young man '

"` him ? ' said I

"`Yes, him well; , an old suitor Thank Heaven that I had the sense away and to marry better, if poorer, man engaged to him, Mr Holmes, when I heard shocking story of how he had turned cat loose in an aviary, and so horrified at his brutal cruelty that nothing more ' She rummaged in bureau, and presently she produced photograph of woman, shamefully defaced and mutilated with knife ` my own photograph,' she said `He sent it state, curse, upon my wedding morning '

"`Well,' said I, ` he has forgiven you now, since he has left all his property to your son '

"`Neither my son nor anything from Jonas Oldacre, dead or alive,' she cried, with proper spirit ` God in Heaven, Mr Holmes, same God who has punished that wicked man will show own that my son's hands are guiltless blood '

"Well, I tried leads, but could get at nothing which would help our hypothesis, and several points which would make against it it up at last and off I went to Norwood