" aware that no two thumb marks are alike ? "

" heard something kind "

"Well, then, compare that print wax impression of young McFarlane's right thumb, taken by my orders ? "

As he held the waxen print close blood-stain it take magnifying glass two were undoubtedly same thumb evident unfortunate client was lost

" final," said Lestrade

"Yes, final," I involuntarily echoed

" final," said Holmes

Something tone caught my ear, and I turned to look at him An extraordinary change had come over his face writhing with inward merriment His two eyes were shining like stars It seemed that making desperate efforts to restrain convulsive attack of laughter

"Dear me ! Dear me ! " at last "Well, now, thought it ? And how deceptive appearances , ! Such nice young man to look at ! lesson not to trust our own judgement, not, Lestrade ? "

"Yes, some of us are little inclined cocksure, Mr Holmes," said Lestrade The man's insolence was maddening, but resent it

"What providential thing young man should press his right thumb against the wall in taking his hat peg ! Such very natural action, too, come of it " Holmes was outwardly calm, but his whole body gave wriggle of suppressed excitement as he spoke " , Lestrade, this remarkable discovery ? "

"It housekeeper, Mrs Lexington, who drew the night constable's attention "

"Where night constable ? "

"He remained on guard bedroom where the crime was committed, so as that nothing was touched "

"But why didn't the police see this mark yesterday ? "

"Well, we had no particular reason careful examination hall Besides, it's not in very prominent place, as "

"No, no, not I suppose mark was there yesterday ? "

Lestrade looked at Holmes he thought going out mind I confess that myself surprised both at his hilarious manner and at his rather wild observation

"I don't know whether that McFarlane came out of gaol dead night to strengthen the evidence against himself," said Lestrade "I leave it to any expert whether the mark thumb "

" unquestionably the mark thumb "

"There, that's enough," said Lestrade " practical man, Mr Holmes, and when got my evidence I come to my conclusions anything me writing my report sitting-room "

Holmes had recovered his equanimity, though I still seemed to detect gleams of amusement expression

"Dear me, very sad development, Watson, not ? " said he "And yet singular points which hold out some hopes client "

" delighted to hear it," said I, heartily " afraid all up "

" hardly go as that, my dear Watson The fact is one really serious flaw evidence our friend attaches importance "

"Indeed, Holmes ! it ? "

"Only this: that that that mark was not there when I examined the hall yesterday And now, Watson, little stroll round sunshine "

With confused brain, but with heart into which some warmth of hope was returning, I accompanied my friend in walk round the garden Holmes took each face house in turn and examined it with great interest He then led the way inside and went over the whole building from basement to attics Most rooms were unfurnished, but none the less Holmes inspected them all minutely Finally, top corridor, which ran outside three untenanted bedrooms, he again was seized with spasm of merriment

" really some very unique features case, Watson," said he " time now that we took our friend Lestrade into our confidence He has had his little smile at our expense, and perhaps do by him reading problem proves correct Yes, yes; how approach it "

The Scotland Yard inspector was still writing parlour when Holmes interrupted him

"I understood that you were writing report of ," said he

"So "

"Don't it little premature ? 't help thinking that your evidence complete "

Lestrade knew my friend too well to disregard his words He laid down his pen and looked curiously at him

"What , Mr Holmes ? "

"Only an important witness whom seen "

" produce him ? "

" "

"Then "

" do my best constables ? "

" three within call "

"Excellent ! " said Holmes "May I ask all large, able-bodied men with powerful voices ? "

" , though I fail what their voices have with it "

"Perhaps that and other things ," said Holmes "Kindly summon your men, try "

Five minutes later three policemen had assembled hall

" outhouse considerable quantity of straw," said Holmes " to carry in two bundles of it greatest assistance in producing the witness whom I require I believe some matches in your pocket, Watson Now, Mr Lestrade, all to accompany me top landing "

As said, broad corridor there, which ran outside three empty bedrooms At one end corridor we were all marshalled by Sherlock Holmes, the constables grinning and Lestrade staring at my friend with amazement, expectation, and derision chasing across his features Holmes stood air of conjurer performing trick

"Would you kindly send one of your constables for two buckets of water ? Put the straw floor here, free wall on either side Now that all ready "

Lestrade's face had begun to grow red and angry

"I don't know whether playing game , Mr Sherlock Holmes," said he " anything, surely say it without all this tomfoolery "

"I assure you, my good Lestrade, that an excellent reason for everything that possibly remember that you chaffed me little some , sun seemed side hedge, so not grudge me little pomp and ceremony now Might I , Watson, to open that window, and then match edge straw ? "

so, and, driven draught, coil of grey smoke swirled down the corridor, while the dry straw crackled and flamed

"Now see find this witness , Lestrade Might I all to join cry of `Fire ! ' ? Now, then; one, two, three ---"

"Fire ! " we all yelled

" trouble you once again "

"Fire ! "

"Just once more, gentlemen, and all together "

"Fire ! " The shout rung over Norwood