by Arthur Conan Doyle

year '95 that combination of events, into which not enter, caused Mr Sherlock Holmes and myself some weeks in great University towns, and during small but instructive adventure which about to relate befell us obvious that any details which would help the reader to exactly identify the college or the criminal injudicious and offensive So painful scandal may well be allowed to die out With due discretion the incident itself may, however, be described, since it serves to illustrate qualities my friend was remarkable endeavour in my statement to avoid such terms as would serve to limit the events to any particular place, or give clue people concerned

We were residing in furnished lodgings close to library where Sherlock Holmes was pursuing some laborious researches in early English charters -- researches which led to results so striking that the subject of one future narratives Here it one evening we received visit from an acquaintance, Mr Hilton Soames, tutor and lecturer College of St Luke's Mr Soames was tall, spare man, of nervous and excitable temperament I had always known him restless manner, but particular occasion state of uncontrollable agitation clear something very unusual had occurred

"I trust, Mr Holmes, that spare me few hours of your valuable time very painful incident at St Luke's, and really, but happy chance of your being town, I at loss what "

" very busy just now, and no distractions," my friend answered " much prefer that you called aid police "

"No, no, my ; such course is utterly impossible When once the law is evoked it stayed again, and just one cases where, credit college, most essential to avoid scandal Your discretion is known powers, and the one man help me I beg you, Mr Holmes, what "

My friend's temper improved since he deprived congenial surroundings of Baker Street Without his scrap-books, his chemicals, homely untidiness, an uncomfortable man He shrugged his shoulders in ungracious acquiescence, while our visitor in hurried words and with much excitable gesticulation poured forth his story

" explain , Mr Holmes, that to-morrow first day examination Fortescue Scholarship examiners My subject is Greek, first papers consists of large passage of Greek translation which the candidate seen This passage is printed examination paper, and it would naturally be an immense advantage candidate could prepare it in advance reason great care is taken the paper secret

"To-day about three o'clock the proofs paper arrived printers The exercise consists of half chapter of Thucydides I had to read it over carefully, text absolutely correct At four-thirty my task was not yet completed I had, however, promised tea in friend's rooms, so I left the proof upon my desk absent rather more than an hour

" aware, Mr Holmes, college doors are double -- green baize one within and heavy oak one without As I approached my outer door amazed key For an instant I imagined that I had left my own there, but on feeling in my pocket all right The only duplicate which existed, as , which belonged to my servant, Bannister, man who has looked after my room for ten years, and whose honesty is absolutely above suspicion key was indeed his, that he had entered my room if tea, he had very carelessly left the key door when out His visit to my room must within very leaving it His forgetfulness key mattered little upon occasion, but on day it has produced the most deplorable consequences

"The moment I looked at my table aware that someone had rummaged among my papers The proof was in three long slips I had left them all together Now, that was lying floor, one was side table near the window, third was where I had left it "

Holmes stirred first time

"The first page floor, the second window, the third where you left it," said he

"Exactly, Mr Holmes You amaze me How could you possibly know that ? "

"Pray continue your very interesting statement "

"For an instant I imagined that Bannister had taken the unpardonable liberty of examining my papers He denied it, however, utmost earnestness, and convinced that speaking the truth The alternative someone passing had observed the key door, had known that out, and had entered to look papers large sum of money is at stake, scholarship is very valuable one, and an unscrupulous man might run risk to gain an advantage over his fellows

"Bannister was upset incident He had nearly fainted when papers had undoubtedly been tampered with him little brandy and left him collapsed in chair while most careful examination room I soon saw intruder had left other traces presence besides the rumpled papers table window were several shreds from pencil which sharpened broken tip of lead was lying there also Evidently the rascal had copied the paper in great hurry, had broken his pencil, and compelled fresh point "

"Excellent ! " said Holmes, who was recovering his good-humour as his attention became more engrossed case "Fortune your friend "

" not all new writing-table with fine surface of red leather prepared to swear, and so is Bannister, smooth and unstained Now clean cut about three inches long -- not mere scratch, but positive cut this, but table small ball of black dough, or clay, with specks of something which looks like sawdust convinced marks were left man who rifled the papers There were no footmarks and no other evidence as identity at my wits' ends, when suddenly the happy thought occurred that you were town, and straight round the matter into your hands Do help me, Mr Holmes ! my dilemma Either find the man or else the examination postponed until fresh papers are prepared, and since done without explanation ensue hideous scandal, which will throw cloud college, but University Above all things to settle the matter quietly and discreetly "

" happy to look and such advice as ," said Holmes, rising and putting overcoat "The case entirely devoid of interest Had anyone visited you in your room papers came ? "

"Yes; young Daulat Ras, an Indian student who lives same stair, came in to ask me some particulars examination "

" entered ? "

"Yes "

" papers were table ? "

" best belief they were rolled up "

"But recognised as proofs ? "

"Possibly "

"No one else in your room ? "

"No "

"Did anyone know proofs there ? "