"I don't know whether you think that McFarlane came out of gaol in thedead of the night in order to strengthen the evidence against himself,"said Lestrade. "I leave it to any expert in the world whether that isnot the mark of his thumb."
"It is unquestionably the mark of his thumb."
"There, that's enough," said Lestrade. "I am a practical man, Mr.Holmes, and when I have got my evidence I come to my conclusions. Ifyou have anything to say you will find me writing my report in thesitting-room."
Holmes had recovered his equanimity, though I still seemed to detectgleams of amusement in his expression.
"Dear me, this is a very sad development, Watson, is it not?" said he."And yet there are singular points about it which hold out some hopesfor our client."
"I am delighted to hear it," said I, heartily. "I was afraid it was allup with him."
"I would hardly go so far as to say that, my dear Watson. The fact isthat there is one really serious flaw in this evidence to which ourfriend attaches so much importance."
"Indeed, Holmes! What is it?"
"Only this: that I KNOW that that mark was not there when I examined thehall yesterday. And now, Watson, let us have a little stroll round inthe sunshine."
With a confused brain, but with a heart into which some warmth of hopewas returning, I accompanied my friend in a walk round the garden.Holmes took each face of the house in turn and examined it with greatinterest. He then led the way inside and went over the whole buildingfrom basement to attics. Most of the rooms were unfurnished, butnone the less Holmes inspected them all minutely. Finally, on the topcorridor, which ran outside three untenanted bedrooms, he again wasseized with a spasm of merriment.
"There are really some very unique features about this case, Watson,"said he. "I think it is time now that we took our friend Lestrade intoour confidence. He has had his little smile at our expense, and perhapswe may do as much by him if my reading of this problem proves to becorrect. Yes, yes; I think I see how we should approach it."
The Scotland Yard inspector was still writing in the parlour when Holmesinterrupted him.
"I understood that you were writing a report of this case," said he.
"So I am."
"Don't you think it may be a little premature? I can't help thinkingthat your evidence is not complete."
Lestrade knew my friend too well to disregard his words. He laid downhis pen and looked curiously at him.
"What do you mean, Mr. Holmes?"
"Only that there is an important witness whom you have not seen."
"Can you produce him?"
"I think I can."
"Then do so."
"I will do my best. How many constables have you?"
"There are three within call."
"Excellent!" said Holmes. "May I ask if they are all large, able-bodiedmen with powerful voices?"
"I have no doubt they are, though I fail to see what their voices haveto do with it."
"Perhaps I can help you to see that and one or two other things aswell," said Holmes. "Kindly summon your men, and I will try."
Five minutes later three policemen had assembled in the hall.
"In the outhouse you will find a considerable quantity of straw," saidHolmes. "I will ask you to carry in two bundles of it. I think it willbe of the greatest assistance in producing the witness whom I require.Thank you very much. I believe you have some matches in your pocket,Watson. Now, Mr. Lestrade, I will ask you all to accompany me to the toplanding."
As I have said, there was a broad corridor there, which ran outsidethree empty bedrooms. At one end of the corridor we were all marshalledby Sherlock Holmes, the constables grinning and Lestrade staring atmy friend with amazement, expectation, and derision chasing each otheracross his features. Holmes stood before us with the air of a conjurerwho is performing a trick.
"Would you kindly send one of your constables for two buckets of water?Put the straw on the floor here, free from the wall on either side. NowI think that we are all ready."