that you were the criminal? Confess, Lestrade, that all this

is very unlikely."

"As to the stick, Mr. Holmes, you know as well as I do that

a criminal is often flurried and does things which a cool man

would avoid. He was very likely afraid to go back to the room.

Give me another theory that would fit the facts."

"I could very easily give you half-a-dozen," said Holmes.

"Here, for example, is a very possible and even probable one.

I make you a free present of it. The older man is showing

documents which are of evident value. A passing tramp sees

them through the window, the blind of which is only half down.

Exit the solicitor. Enter the tramp! He seizes a stick,

which he observes there, kills Oldacre, and departs after

burning the body."

"Why should the tramp burn the body?"

11.05.2007