Adventure 2 in the return of Sherlock Holmes by Sir, Arthur
Conan Doyle. This LibriVox recording is in
the public domain. Adventure 2.
The adventure of the Norwood Builder.
From the point of view of the criminal expert said, mr.
Sherlock, Holmes. London has become a singularly
uninteresting City. Since the death of the late
lamented Professor. Moriarty.
I can hardly think you would find many decent citizens to
agree with you. I answered.
Well, well, I must not be selfish said he with a smile as
he pushed back. His chair from The Breakfast
Table. The community is, certainly the
Gainer and no one the loser. Save the poor out-of-work,
specialist, whose occupation has gone with that man in the field
ones. Morning, paper presented
infinite possibilities often. It was only the smallest Trace
Watson, the faintest indication. And yet it was enough to tell me
that the great malignant brain was there as the gentlest
Tremors of the edges of the web, remind one of the foul spider
which lurks in the center, Petty thefts, want an assault,
purposeless outrage to the man who held the clue.
All could be worked into one connected whole to the
scientific student of the higher criminal world.
No capital in Europe, offered the advantage, which London,
then possessed, but now He Shrugged his shoulders in
humorous, depreciation of the state of things, which he had
himself done so much to produce at the time of which I speak
homes have been back for some months and I at his request, had
sold my practice and returned to share the old quarters in Baker,
Street. A young doctor named Verner had
purchased my small Kensington practice.
And given with astonishingly little Demir, the highest price
that I ventured to ask an incident.
Only explained itself some years later when I found that Verna
was a distant relation of homes, and it was my friend who had
really found the money. Al-mansur partnership had not
been so uneventful as he had stated for.
I find on looking over my notes that this period includes the
case of the papers of ex-president Murillo.
And also the shocking Affair of the Dutch steamship Friesland,
which so nearly cost us. Both our lives, his cold and
proud nature, was always a verse, however, from anything in
the shape of public Applause, and he bound me in the most,
stringent terms to say, no further word of himself.
His methods or his success has a Prohibition which as I've
explained has only now been removed.
Mr. Sherlock Holmes was leaning back in his chair after his
Whimsical protest. And was unfolding his morning
paper in a leisurely fashion. When our attention was arrested
by a tremendous ring at the Bell, followed immediately by a
hollow, drumming sound as if someone were beating on the
outer door with his fist as it opened, there came a
tumultuously rush into the Hall. Rapid feet, clattered up the
stair and an instant later. A wild-eyed, and Antique young
man pale disheveled and palpitating burst into the room.
He looked from one to the other of us and under our gaze of
inquiry. He became conscious that some
apology was needed for this unceremonious entry.
I'm sorry. Mr. Holmes.
He cried. You mustn't.
Blame me. I'm nearly mad.
Mr. Holmes. I am the unhappy, John Hector
McFarlane. He made the announcement as if
the name alone would explain both his visit and it's manner,
but I could see by my companions unresponsive face, but it meant
no more to him than to me. I have a cigarette.
Mr. McFarland said he pushing his case across.
I am sure that with your symptoms.
My friend. Dr. Watson here would prescribe
a sedative? The weather has been so very
warm these last few days. Now if you feel a little more
composed, I should be glad if you would sit down in that chair
and tell us very slowly and quietly who you are and what it
is that you want. You mentioned your name as if I
should recognize it, but I assure you that beyond the
obvious facts that you are a bachelor, a A Freemason and an
asthmatic. I know nothing.
Whatever about you. Familiar.
As I was with my friends methods, it was not difficult
for me to follow his deductions and to observe the untidiness of
a tire, the Sheaf of legal papers, the watch charm, and the
breathing, which had prompted them, our client.
However, stared in amazement. Yes.
I'm all that. Mr. Holmes.
And in addition. I am the most unfortunate man at
this moment in London for Evans sake.
Don't abandon me. Mr. Holmes, if they come to
arrest me before I have finished my Tori, make them give me time
so that I may tell you the whole truth.
I could go to jail happy. If I knew that you were working
for me outside a rest. You said Holmes.
This is really most grati. Most interesting on what charge
do you expect to be arrested upon the charge of murdering.
Mr. James oldacre of lower Norwood.
My companions expressive face showed a sympathy which was not
I'm afraid entirely unmixed with satisfaction.
Dear me said he, it was only this moment at breakfast that I
was saying to my friend. Dr. Watson that Sensational
cases had disappeared out of our papers.
I'll visit her stretched forward.
A quivering hand and picked up the Daily Telegraph, which still
lay upon Holmes's knee. If you had looked at it, sir,
you would have seen at a glance. What the errand is on, which I
have come to you this morning. I feel as if my name and my
Misfortune must be in every man's mouth.
He turned it over to expose the central page.
Here it is. And with your permission.
I'll read it to you. Listen to this.
Mr. Holmes. The headlines are mysterious
Affair at lower. Norwood.
Disappearance of a well-known Builder suspicion of murder.
And arson. A clue to the criminal that is
the clue which they are already following.
Mr. Holmes, and I know that it leads infallibly to me.
I've been followed from London Bridge station and I am sure
that they are only waiting for the warrant to arrest me.
It will break my mother's heart. It will break her heart.
He wrung his hands in an Agony of apprehension and suede
backward and forward in his chair.
I looked with interest upon this man who was accused of being the
perpetrator of a crime of violence.
He was flaxen-haired and handsome in a washed-out -
fashion. With frightened blue eyes and a
clean-shaven face with a week sensitive mouth.
His age may have been about 27 his dress and bearing that of a
gentleman from the pocket of his Light.
Summer Overcoat protruded the bundle of endorsed papers, which
proclaimed his profession. We must use what time we have
said, Holmes, Watson. Would you have the kindness to
take the paper to read the paragraph in question,
underneath the vigorous headlines, which our client had
quoted. I read the following suggestive
narrative. Late last night, or early this
morning, an incident occurred at lower Norwood, which points it
is feared to a serious crime. Mr. Jonas oldacre is a
well-known resident of that suburb where he's carried on his
business as a builder for many years.
Mr. Oldacre is a bachelor 52 years of age and lives in deep,
Dene house at the Sydenham End of the Road of that name.
He has had the reputation of being a man of eccentric,
habits, secretive, and retiring For some years, he has
practically withdrawn from the business in which he is said to
have, masked considerable wealth, a small Timber yard,
still exists. However at the back of the house
and last night about twelve o'clock and alarm was given that
one of the stacks was on fire. The engines were soon upon the
spot, but the dry wood burned with great Fury and it was
impossible to arrest the conflagration until the stack
had been entirely consumed. Up to this point, the incident
board, the appearance of an ordinary accident but fresh
indications seem to point to Serious crime.
Surprise was expressed at the absence of the master of the
establishment, from the scene of the fire and an inquiry followed
which showed that he had disappeared from the house, an
examination of his room revealed that the bed had not been slept
in that a safe, which stood in it was open as a number of
important papers were scattered about the room and finally that
With signs of a murderous struggle, slight traces of blood
being found within the room and an open walking stick, which
also showed stains of blood upon the handle.
It is known that mr. Jonas, oldacre had received a
late visitor, in his bedroom upon that night.
And the stick found has been identified as a property of this
person. Who is a young London solicitor
named John Hector McFarlane, Junior partner of Graham, and
McFarland of 426 Gresham buildings, easy, the police
believe that they have evidence in their possession, which
supplies a very convincing motive for the crime and
altogether. It cannot be doubted.
The Sensational developments will follow.
Later, it is rumored as we go to press that.
Mr. John Hector McFarlane has actually been arrested on the
charge of the murder of mr. Jonas, oldacre.
It is, at least certain that a warrant has been issued have
been further and Sinister developments in the
investigation. At Norwood, besides the signs of
a struggle in the room of the unfortunate Builder.
It is now known that the French Windows of his bedroom, which is
on the ground floor, were found to be open that there were
marks. As if some bulky object had been
dragged across to the woodpile. And finally it is asserted that
charred remains have been found among the charcoal ashes of the
fire. The police theory is that a most
Sensational crime has been committed.
The victim was clubbed to death in his own bedroom, his papers
rifled and his dead body dragged across to the wood stack, which
was then ignited. So as to hide all traces of the
crime, the conduct of the criminal investigation has been
left in the experienced hands of Inspector lestrade of Scotland
Yard, who is following up the clues with his accustomed,
energy and sagacity. Sherlock Holmes listened with
closed eyes and fingertips together to this remarkable
account. The case has certainly some
points of interest said he in his language fashion.
May, I ask in the first place? Mr. McFarlane, how it is that
you are still at Liberty since there appears to be enough
evidence to justify your arrest. I live at Torrington Lodge
Blackheath with my parents. Mr. Holmes, but last night
having to do business, very late with mr.
Jonas oldacre. I stayed at an hotel in Norwood,
and came to my business from there.
I knew nothing of this affair until I was in the train, when I
read what you have, just heard. I'd once saw the horrible danger
of my position and I hurried to put the case into your hands.
I have no doubt that I should have been arrested either at my
city office or at my home, a man, followed me from London,
Bridge station, and I have no doubt.
Great Heaven. What is that?
It was a clang of the Bell followed instantly by heavy
steps upon the stair a moment. Later.
Our old friend lestrade appeared in the doorway over his
shoulder. I caught a glimpse of one or two
uniformed policemen outside. Mr. John Hector McFarlane said,
lestrade our unfortunate client rose with a ghastly face.
I arrest you for the willful murder of mr.
Jonas, oldacre of lower, Norwood, McFarland turned to us
with a gesture of Despair and sank into his chair.
Once more like one who is crushed.
One moment. Lestrade, said Holmes, half an
hour more or less can make no difference to you.
And the gentleman was about to give us an account of this very
interesting Affair, which might Aid Us in, clearing it up or
think there will be no difficulty in.
Clearing it up, said lestrade grimly nonetheless with your
permission. I should be much interested to
hear his account. Well, mr.
Holmes. It is difficult for me to refuse
you. Anything.
For your being of use to the force once or twice in the past
and we owe you a good turn at Scotland Yard said lestrade at
the same time. I must remain with my prisoner
and I'm bound to warn him that anything.
He may say will appear in evidence against him.
I wish nothing better said, our client.
All I ask is that you should hear and recognize the absolute
truth. The stride looked at his watch
or give you a half an hour said he.
I must explain first said, McFarland that I knew nothing of
mr. Jonas oldacre.
His name was familiar to me for many years ago.
My parents were acquainted with him, but they drifted apart.
I was very much surprised. Therefore, when yesterday about
3:00 in the afternoon. He walked into my office in the
city, but I was still more astonished when he told me the
object of his visit. He had in his hand, several
sheets of a notebook covered with scribbled writing.
Here. They are and he laid them on my
table. Here is, my Will said he, I want
you. Mr. McFarlane to cast it into
proper legal shape. I will sit here while you do.
So, I set myself to copy it and you can imagine my astonishment.
When I found that with some reservations.
He had left all his property to me.
He was a strange, little ferret-like, man, with white
eyelashes. And when I looked up at him, I
found his Keen gray eyes fixed upon me with an amused
expression. I could hardly believe my own as
I read the terms of the will, but he explained that he was a
bachelor with hardly any living relation, but he had known my
parents in his Youth. And he'd always heard of me as a
very deserving young, man and was assured that his money would
be in worthy hands. Of course, I could only stammer
out. My thanks.
The will was Julie finished signed and witnessed by my
Clark. This is it on the blue paper and
these slips as I've explained our, the rough draft.
Mr. Jonas oldacre, then informed me that there were a number of
documents building leases title Deeds, mortgages scrip, and so
forth, which it was necessary that I should see.
And understand he said that his mind would not be easy until the
whole thing was settled, and he begged me to come out to his
house at Norwood, that night. Bringing the will with me and to
arrange matters. Remember my boy, not one word to
your parents about the affair until everything is Is settled.
We will keep it as a little surprise for them.
He was very insistent upon this point and made me promise it
Faithfully. You can imagine mr.
Holmes, that I was not in a humour to refuse him, anything
that he might ask. He was my benefactor, and All My
Desire was to carry out his wishes in every particular.
I sent a telegram home. Therefore to say that I had
important business on hand and that it was impossible for me to
say how late I might be. Mr. Oldacre, a told me that he
would like me to have supper with him 9, as he might not be
home. Before that hour.
I had some difficulty in finding his house.
However, and it was nearly half-past before I reached it.
I found him. One moment said Holmes, who
opened the door a middle-aged woman.
Who was I suppose his housekeeper?
And it was she I presume, who mentioned your name, exactly
said, McFarland, pray proceed. McFarland wiped his damp brow
and then continued his narrative.
I was shown by this woman into a sitting room where a Frugal
supper was laid out afterwards. Mr. Jonas, oldacre.
Let me into his bedroom in which there, stood a heavy safe.
This he opened and took out a massive documents which we went
over together. It was between 11:00 and 12:00
when we finished. He remarked that we must not
disturb the housekeeper. He showed me out through his own
French window, which had been open all this time.
Was the blind down asked Holmes. I will not be sure, but I
believe that it was only half down.
Yes. I remember how we pulled it up
in order to swing open the window.
I could not find my stick and he said, never mind, my boy, and I
shall see a good deal of you. Now.
I hope and I'll keep your stick until you come back to claim it.
I left him there, the safe open and the papers made up in
packets upon the table. It was so late that I could not
get back to Blackheath. So I spent the night at the
analy arms and I knew nothing more, until I read of this
horrible Affair in the morning. Anything more that you would
like to ask. Mr. Holmes said lestrade, whose
eyebrows had gone up once or twice during this remarkable
explanation. Not until I've been to
Blackheath. You mean to Norwood said
lestrade? Oh, yes.
No doubt. That is what I must have meant
said Holmes with his enigmatic all smile.
Lestrade had learned by more experiences than he could care
to acknowledge that brain could cut through that, which was
impenetrable to him. I saw him look curiously.
At my companion are think I should like to have a word with
you. Presently.
Mr. Sherlock Holmes said he now mr.
McFarlane to of more constables are at the door and there's a
four wheeler way in. The Wretched, young man arose,
and with a last beseeching glanced at us, walked from the
room, the officers conducted him to the cab.
But lestrade remained Holmes, had picked up the pages, which
formed the rough draft of the will and was looking at them
with the keenest interest upon his face.
There are some points about that document lestrade are there.
Not said he pushing him over. The official looked at them with
a puzzled expression. I could read the first few lines
and these are the middle of the second page and one or two at
the end. Those are as clear as print
said, he, but the writing in between is very bad.
And there are three places where I cannot read it at all.
What do you make of that? Said Holmes?
Well, what do you make of it? That it was written in a train,
the good writing represents stations, the bad writing
movement and the very bad writing passing over points.
A scientific expert would pronounce at once that this was
drawn up on a Suburban line. Since know, we're saving the
immediate vicinity of a great City.
Could do be so quicker, succession of points granting
that his whole journey was occupied in drawing up, the
will, then, the train was an Express only stopping once.
Norwood and London Bridge, lestrade began to laugh.
Are you are too many for me when you begin to get on your
theories? Mr. Holmes said he, how does
this bear on the case? Well, it corroborates, the young
man's story to the extend that the will was drawn up by Jonas
oldacre in his journey yesterday.
It is curious. Is it not the man should draw up
so important to document in? So haphazard a fashion.
It suggests that he did not think it was going to be of much
practical importance. If a man Drew up a will, which
he did not intend ever to be effective.
He might do it. So, Well, they drop his own
death. Warrant at the same time, said
lestrade. Oh, you think so don't you?
Well, it is quite possible. But the case is not clear to me
yet, not clear. Well, if that isn't clear, what
could be clear. Here is a young man who learns
suddenly that if a certain older man dies, he will succeed to a
fortune. What does he do?
He says nothing to anyone, but your range is that he shall go
out on some pretext to see his client that night.
He waits until the only other person in the house is in bed.
And then, in the Solitude of a man's room, he murders, him
burns. His body in the woodpile and
departs, to a neighboring Hotel, the bloodstains in the room.
And also on the stick a very slight.
It is probable that he imagined his crime to be a bloodless one.
And hope that if the body were consumed, Doll traces of the
method of his death traces, which for some reason must have
pointed to him. He's not all this obvious.
It strikes me my good lestrade as being just a trifle too.
Obvious said, Holmes, you do not add imagination to your other
great qualities, but if you could, for one moment to put
yourself in the place of this young man, would you choose the
very night after the will have been made to commit your crime?
Would it not seem dangerous to you to make?
So very closer relation between the two incidents again, would
you choose an occasion when you are known to be in the house
when a servant has let you in? And finally, would you take the
great pains to conceal the body and yet, leave your own stick as
a sign that you with a Criminal? Confess lestrade at 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 such things, which are cool man would avoid.
He's very likely afraid to go back to the room.
Give me another theory, which 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 sees as a stick
which he observes their kills oldacre and departs.
To burning the body. Why should the Tramp burn the
body? For the matter of that.
Why should McFarland to hide some evidence?
Possibly the Tramp wanted to hide that any murder at all had
been committed and why did the Tramp tight?
Nothing because they were papers that he could not negotiate.
Lestrade shook his head and it seemed to me that his manner was
less absolutely assured than before.
Well, mr. Sherlock Holmes.
You may look for your tramp. And while you're finding him.
We will hold onto our man. The future will show which is
right. Just notice this point.
Mr. Holmes so far as we know none of the papers were removed
and that the prisoner is the one man in the world who had no
reason for removing them since he was at are at law and would
come into them in any case. My friend seems struck by this
remark. I don't mean to deny that the
evidence is in some ways. Very strongly in favor of your
theory said he, I only wish to point out that there are other
theories possible. As you say the future will
decide. Good morning.
I dare say that in the course of the day.
I shall drop in at Norwood and see how you're getting on.
When the detective departed, my friend Rose and made his
preparations for the day's work with the alert air of a man, who
has a congenial task before him. My first movement Watson said,
he as he bustled into his frock-coat must, as I said, be
in the direction of Blackheath. And why not?
No word. Because we have in this case,
One Singular incident coming close to the heels of another
singular incident. The police are making the
mistake of concentrating, their attention upon the second
because it happens to be the one which is actually criminal.
But it is evident to me that the logical way to approach.
The case is to begin by trying to throw some light upon the
first incident. The Curious will so suddenly
made and to so unexpected and are it may do something to
simplify What? Followed?
No, my dear fellow. I don't think you can help me.
There is no Prospect of danger, or I should not dream of
stirring out without you. I trust that when I see you in
the evening. I will be able to report that
I've been able to do something for this unfortunate.
Youngster, who was thrown himself upon my protection.
It was late when my friend returned and I could see by a
glance at his Haggard and anxious face at the High Hopes,
with which he had started had not been fulfilled.
For an hour, he droned away upon his violin endeavoring to soothe
his own ruffled Spirits at last. He flung down the instrument and
plunged into a detailed account of his Misadventures.
It's all going wrong. Watson.
All as wrong as it can go. I kept a bold face before
lestrade, but upon my soul. I believe that for once the
fellow is on the right track and we are on the wrong.
All my instincts are one way and all the facts are the other and
I much fear that British juries have not yet attained that pitch
of intelligence when they were give the preference to my
theories over last rods facts. Did you go to Blackheath?
Yes, Watson, I went there and I found very quickly at the late
lamented Old Echo is a pretty considerable blackguard.
My father was away in search of his son.
The mother was at home, a little fluffy blue, eyed person in a
Tremor of fear. And indignation, of course, she
would not admit, even the possibility of his guilt, but
she would not express, either surprised or regret over the
fate of oldacre. On the contrary, she spoke of
him with such bitterness that she was unconsciously
considerably, strengthening the case of the police.
For of course, if her son had heard her speak of the man in
this fashion, it would predispose him towards hatred
and violence. He was more like a malignant and
canning ape than a human being said she and he always was ever
since he was a young man. You knew him at that time said,
I yes, I knew him. Well, in fact, he was an old
Suitor of mine. Thank Kevin that I had the sense
to turn away from him and to marry a better if poorer.
Man. I was engaged to him.
Mr. Holmes, when I owed a shocking story of how he had
turned a cat loose in an Avery, I was so horrified at this
brutal cruelty that I would have nothing more to do with him.
She rummaged in a bureau and presently.
She produced a photograph of a woman.
Shamefully defaced and mutilated with a knife, my own photograph.
She said he sent it to me in that state with this curse upon
my wedding morning. Well said, I at least he has
forgiven you now since he has left all his property to your
son, are the, my son, nor I want anything from Jonas oldacre,
Dead or Alive. She cried with a proper Spirit.
There is a God in heaven. Mr. Holmes, and that same God,
who was punished that way. Wicked Man will show in his own
good time. That my son's hands are
Guiltless of his blood. Well, I tried one or two leads
but could get it nothing which would help our hypothesis and
several points, which would make against it.
I gave it up at last and off, I went to Norwood this place.
Deep Dene house is a big modern Villa of staring brick standing
back in its own grounds, with a laurel clumped, lawn in front of
it to the right and some distance back from the road was
the timber yard, which had been the scene of the fire.
Here's a rough plan. On a leaf of my notebook.
This window on the left, is the one which opens into oldacre's
room. You can look into it from the
road. You see that is about the only
bit of consolation. I've had today, lestrade was not
there, but his head Constable did the honors.
They're just found a great treasure Trove.
They had spent the morning raking among the ashes of the
burned wood pile and besides the charred organic remains.
They had secured several discolored metal.
Asks, I examined them with care and there was no doubt that they
were trouser buttons. I even distinguished, that one
of them was marked with the name of hyams, who was oldacre's
Taylor. I then work, the lawn very
carefully for signs and traces, but this drought has made
everything as hard as iron. Nothing was to be seen save that
somebody or bundle had been dragged through a low Privet
Hedge, which is in a line with the woodpile.
All that, of course fits in with the official Theory.
I crawled about the lawn with an August sun on my back, but I got
up at the end of an hour. No wiser than before.
Well, after this Fiasco, I went into the bedroom and examine
that also, the bloodstains were very slight.
Mia's smears and discolorations, but undoubtedly fresh.
The stick had been removed, but they're also the remarks were
slight. There is no doubt about the
stick belonging to our client, yet.
Mit's, it footmarks of both, men could be made out on the carpet,
but none of any third person, which again, is a trick for the
other side. They were piling up their score
all the time and we were at a standstill.
Only one little gleam of Hope did I get and yet it amounted to
nothing. I examine the contents of the
safe most of which have been taken out and left on the table.
The papers have been made up in two sealed envelopes, one or two
of which have been opened by the police.
They were not so far as I could judge of any great value.
Nor did the bankbook show, that mr.
Oldacre is in such very affluent circumstances, but it seemed to
me that all the papers were not there.
There were allusions to some Deeds, possibly the more
valuable, which I could not find this.
Of course, if we could definitely prove, it would turn
the strods argument against himself for who would steal a
thing. If he knew that he would shortly
inherit it. Finally having drawn every other
cover and picked up. No scent.
I tried my luck with the housekeeper.
Mrs. Lexington is her name. A little dark silent person with
suspicious and side long eyes. She could tell us something.
If she would, I'm convinced of it.
But she was as close as wax. Yes.
She had let mr. McFarlane in at 9:30.
She wished her hand had withered before she had done.
So She had gone to bed at 10:30. Her room was at the other end of
the house and she could hear nothing of what had passed.
Mr. McFarlane had left his hat and to the best of her belief is
stick in the hall. She had been awakened by the
alarm of fire. Her poor.
Dear Master had certainly been murdered had he any enemies.
Well, every man had enemies but mr.
Oldacre kept himself very much to himself and only met people
in the way of business. She had seen the buttons and was
sure that they belong to the clothes, which he had worn last
night. The woodpile was very dry for
it. Did not rain for a month.
It burned like Tinder and by the time she reached the spot.
Nothing could be seen, But Flames, she and all the firemen
smelled the burned flesh. From inside it, she knew nothing
of the papers nor of mr. Oldacre's Private Affairs.
So my dear Watson, there's my report of a failure and yet and
yet he clenched his thin hands in a paroxysm of conviction.
I know it's all wrong. I Feel It In My Bones.
There is something that has not come out and that housekeeper
knows it. It was a sort of sulky Defiance
in her eyes, which only goes with guilty knowledge.
However, there's no good talking anymore about it Watson.
But unless some lucky chance comes our way.
I fear that the Norwood disappearance case will not
figure in that Chronicle of our successes, which I foresee that
a patient public will sooner or later have to endure.
Shirley said, I the man's appearance would go far with any
jury. That is a dangerous argument.
My dear Watson, you remember that terrible murderer, but
Stevens, who wanted us to get him off in 87?
Was there ever a more mild mannered?
Sunday, school young man. It is true.
Unless we succeed in establishing an alternative
Theory, this man is lost. You can hardly find a floor in
the case, which can now be presented against him and all
further investigation has served to strengthen it.
By the way. There is one curious, little
point about those papers, which may serve us as the starting
point for an inquiry on looking over the bank book.
I found that the low state of the balance was principally due
to large checks, which have been made out during the last year to
mr. Cornelius.
I confess that I should be interested to know who this mr.
Cornelius, maybe with whom a retired Builder has such very
large transactions. Is it possible that he has had a
hand in the affair? Cornelius might be a broker but
we have found no script correspond with these large
payments failing. Any other indication.
My researchers must now take the direction of an inquiry at the
bank for the gentleman whose cash these checks.
But I fear my dear fellow that our case will end in gloriously
by lestrade hanging. Our client, which will certainly
be a Triumph for Scotland Yard. I do not know how far Sherlock
Holmes took any sleep that night.
But when I came down to breakfast, I found him pale and
harassed. His Bright Eyes, The Brighter
for the Dark, Shadows around them, the carpet round.
His chair was littered with cigarette ends.
And with the early editions of the morning papers an open
telegram, lay upon the table. What do you think of this
Watson? He asked tossing it across.
It was from Norwood and ran as follows.
Important fresh evidence to hand McFarland's.
Guilt definitely established advise you to abandon case
lestrade. This sounds serious.
Did I? It is lestrade little
cockadoodle of Victory, Holmes answered with a bitter smile and
yet it may be premature to abandon the case.
After all important fresh evidence is a two-edged thing,
and may possibly cut in a very different direction to that.
Which lestrade imagines, take your breakfast Watson and we
will go out together and see what we can do.
I feel as if I shall need your company and your moral support
today. My friend had no breakfast
himself for it. Was one of his peculiarities
that in his more intense moments.
He would permit himself, no food, and I have known him
presume upon his iron strength until he has fainted from Pure
in a nation at present. I cannot spare energy and nerve
Force for digestion. He would say in answer to my
medical remonstrances. I was not surprised therefore,
when this morning. He left his untouched meal
behind him and started with me for A crowd of morbid.
Sightseers were still gathered around deep Dene house, which
was just such a Suburban Villa as I had pictured within the
gates lestrade metis, his face flushed With Victory.
His manner grossly triumphant. Well, mr.
Rome's, have you proved us to be wrong yet?
Have you found your tramp? He cried.
I have formed no conclusion, whatever my companion answered.
But we formed as yesterday and now it proves to be correct.
So you must acknowledge that we have been a little in front of
you. This time is Thrones you
certainly have the air of something unusual, having
occurred said Holmes lestrade laughed loudly.
You don't like being beaten any more than the rest of us.
Do said he a man. Can't expect always do it his
own way. Kenny.
Dr. Watson step, this way. If you please gentlemen, and I
think I can convince you once for all that.
It was John McFarlane, who did this crime?
He led us through the passage and out into a dark Hall Beyond.
This is why young McFarland must have come out to get his hat
after the crime was done. Said he now look at this with
dramatic suddenness. He struck a match and by its
light exposed, a stain of blood upon the whitewashed wall as he
held a match nearer. I saw that it was more than a
stain. It was a well-marked print of a
thumb. Look at that with your
magnifying glass. Mr. Holmes.
Yes, I am doing so, you are aware that now to thumb marks
are alike. I have heard something of the
kind. Well then, will you please
compared that print with this wax?
Impression of young McFarland's, right?
Thumb taken by my orders this morning as he held the waxen
print close to the blood-stained.
It did not take a magnifying glass to see.
Either the two were undoubtedly from the same thumb.
It was evident to me that our unfortunate client was lost.
That is final said lestrade. Yes.
That is final. I am voluntary echoed.
It is final said, Holmes. Something in his tone caught my
ear and I turned to look at him, an extraordinary change had come
over his face. It was writhing with inward
merriment. His two eyes were shining like
stars. It seemed to me that he was
making desperate efforts to restrain a convulsive attack of
laughter. TM me.
Dear me. He said at last.
Well now who would have thought it and how deceptive appearances
may be to be sure. Such a nice young man to look
at. It is a lesson to us, not to
trust our own judgment. Is it not lestrade?
Yes. Some of us are a little too much
inclined to be cock. Ashore.
Mr. Holmes said lestrade the man's insolence was maddening,
but we could not resent. What a providential thing that
this young man should press his right thumb against the wall in
taking his hat from the peg. Such a very natural action to if
you come to think of it Holmes was outwardly calm but his whole
body gave a wriggle of suppressed.
Excitement as he spoke. By the way, lestrade who made
this remarkable Discovery. It was the a housekeeper.
Mrs. Lexington who drew the night.
Constables, attention to it. Where was the night Constable?
He remained on guard in the bedroom where the crime was
committed? So to say that, nothing was
touched, but why didn't the police see this Mark yesterday?
Well, we had no particular reason to make a careful
examination of the all besides, is not in a very prominent
place, as you say, No, no, of course not.
I suppose there is no doubt that the Mark was there yesterday.
The strad looked at Holmes if he thought he was going out of his
mind. I confess that, I was myself
surprised both. It is hilarious Manner and it is
rather wild observation. I don't know.
Whether you think that McFarland came out of jail in the dead of
the night, in order to strengthen the evidence against
himself said lestrade, I leave it to any expert in the world
whether that is not the mark of his thumb.
It is unquestionably the mark of his thumb.
Yeah, that's enough said lestrade.
I'm a practical man. Mr. Holmes and when I've got my
evidence, so I come to my conclusions.
If you have anything to say, you'll find me writing my
report. In my sitting room Holmes, had
recovered his Equanimity, though.
I still seem to detect gleams of muse, moment 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 hopes for our client.
I'm delighted to hear it said I heartily I was afraid.
It was all up with him. I would hardly go so far as to
say that my dear Watson the fact is that there is one really
serious floor in this evidence to which our friend attaches so
much importance. Indeed, Holmes.
What is it? Only this that I know that that
Mark was not there when I examined the hall yesterday and
now Watson, let us have Little stroll around in the sunshine.
With a confused brain, but with a heart into which some warmth
of Hope was returning. I company my friend in a walk
around the garden Holmes, took each face of the house intern
and examined it with great interest.
He then led the way inside and went over the whole building
from basement to attic, most of the rooms were unfurnished, but
nonetheless homes, inspected them, all minutely.
Finally on the top Corridor, which ran outside three,
untenanted bedrooms. He again was seized 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 into our confidence. He has had his little smile at
our expense and perhaps we may do as much by him if my reading
of this problem proves to be correct.
Yes. Yes.
I think I see how we should approach it.
The Scotland Yard inspector was still writing in The Parlor,
when Holmes interrupted him. I understand that you were
writing a report of this case said he so I am.
Don't you think it might be a little premature.
I can't help thinking that your evidence is not complete the
strad. New my friend too.
Well to disregard his words. He laid down his 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-bodied men with powerful voices?
I have no doubt. They are though.
I failed to see what their voices have to do with it.
Perhaps I can help you to see that and one or two other things
as well. Said, Holmes, kindly summon your
men and I will try. Five minutes later three
policemen had assembled in the hall.
In the Outhouse. You'll find a considerable
quantity of straw said, Holmes. I will ask you to carry in two
bundles of it. I think it will be 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 top Landing. As I've said there was a broad
Corridor there which ran outside three empty bedrooms.
At one end of the corridor. We were all marshaled by
Sherlock Holmes, The constables grinning and lestrade staring at
my friend with amazement expectation and derision chasing
each other across his features home.
Stood before us with the air of a conjurer who 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. Now, I think that we are already
the straws face had begun to grow red and angry.
I don't know whether you're playing a game with us.
Mr. Sherlock Holmes said he if you know anything, you can
surely say it without all this tomfoolery.
I assure you my good lestrade that.
I have an excellent reason for everything that I do.
You may possibly remember that you've chased me a little some
hours ago when the sun seemed on your side of the Hedge.
So you must not Grudge me a little Pomp and ceremony.
Now, might I ask you what sun' to open that window and then to
put a match to the edge of the straw.
I did. So and driven by the draft, a
coil of gray smoke swirled down the While the dry straw crackled
inflamed. Now we must see if we can find
this witness for you lestrade, might, I ask you all to join in
the Cry of fire. Now, then one, two, three, fire.
We all yelled. Thank you.
I will trouble you once again, fire.
Just once more gentlemen, and all together.
Fire. Shout must have rung over
Norwood. It had hardly died away.
When an amazing thing happened, a door, suddenly flew, open out
of what appeared to be solid wall.
At the end of the corridor and a little wizened man.
Darted out of it like a rabbit out of its burrow.
Capital said, Holmes, calmly Watson, a bucket of water over
the straw. Now.
We'll do the strad. Allow me to present you with
your principal missing witness. Mr. Jonas oldacre.
The detective stared at the newcomer with blank amazement.
The latter was blinking in the bright light of the corridor and
peering at us and that the smoldering fire.
It was an odious face, crafty vicious malignant with Shifty,
light gray eyes, and white lashes.
What's this then? Said lestrade at last?
What have you been doing? All this time?
I oldacre gave an uneasy laugh. Shrinking, back from the Furious
red-faced of the angry detective.
I've done no harm, no harm. You've done your best, to get an
innocent man. Hanged, if it wasn't for this
gentleman here. I'm not sure that you would not
have succeeded. The Wretched creature began to
whimper. I'm sure sir.
It was only my practical joke. Oh, a joke was it.
You won't find the laughs on your side.
I promise you take him down and keep him in the sitting room
until I come mr. Holmes.
He continued when they had gone. Our could not speak before the
constables, but I don't mind saying in the presence of dr.
Watson. This is the brightest thing that
you've done yet, though. It is a mystery to me how you
did it. You have saved an innocent man's
life. And you have prevented a very
grave Scandal which would have ruined my reputation in the
force Holmes, smiled and clapped lestrade upon the shoulder.
Instead of being ruined, my good sir.
You will find that your reputation has been enormously
enhanced. Just make a few alterations in
that report, which you were writing and they will understand
how hard it is to throw dust in the eyes of inspector lestrade.
And you don't want your name to appear, not at all.
The work is its own reward? Perhaps.
I should get the credit also at some distant day.
When I permit my zealous historian to lay out his
foolscap once more. Hey, Watson.
Well, now, let us see where this rat has been lurking.
A lathe and plaster partition have been run across.
The passage six feet from the end, was a door cunningly
concealed in it. It was lit Within by slits under
the eaves, a few articles of furniture and the supply of food
and water within together with a number of books and papers.
There's the advantage of being a Builder said Holmes.
As we came out. He was able to fix up his own
little hiding place without any Confederate save, of course that
precious Keeper of his whom I should lose.
No time in adding to your bag lestrade.
I'll take your advice. But how did you know?
This place? Mr. Holmes?
I made up my mind that the fellow was in hiding in the
house. When I paste 1 Corridor and
found it six feet shorter than the corresponding.
One below. It was pretty clear where he
was. I thought he had not the nerve
to lie quiet before an alarm of fire.
We could, of course have gone in and taken him but it amused me
to make him reveal himself. Besides I owed you a little
mystification lestrade for your chafe in the morning.
Well, sir, you certainly got Eco with me on that.
But how in the world did you know that he was in the house at
all? The thumb Mark lestrade, you
said it was Final and so it was in a very different sense.
I knew it had not been there the day before I pay a good deal of
attention to matters of detail. As you may have observed and I
had examined the hall and was sure that the wall was clear.
Therefore. It had been put on during the
night, but how very simply when those packets were sealed up.
Jonas oldacre, got McFarland to secure one of the seals by,
putting his thumb upon the soft wax.
It would be done so quickly. And so naturally that I dare
say, the young man himself has no recollection of it.
Very likely it just so happened and oldacre had himself no
notion of the use. He would put it to brooding over
the case in that den of his it suddenly struck him.
What? Absolutely damning evidence.
He could make against McFarland by using that some more.
It was the simplest thing in the world for him, to take a wax
impression from the seal, to moisten it in as much blood as
he could get from a pinprick. And to put the markup on the
wall during the night, either with his own hand or with that
of his housekeeper. If you examine among those
documents, which he took with him into his Retreat, I will lay
you a wager that you will find the seal with the thumb Mark
upon it. Wonderful said lestrade
wonderful. It's all as clear as Crystal as
you put it. But why is the object of this
deep deception? Mr. Adams?
It was amusing to me to see how the detectives overbearing
manner had changed suddenly to that of a child asking questions
of its teacher. Well, I don't think that it is
very hard to explain a very deep malicious.
Vindictive person is the gentleman who is now waiting us
downstairs, you know that he was once refused by McFarlane's
mother you don't I told you that you should go to Blackheath
first and Norwood afterwards. Well this injury as he would
consider it has rankled in his Wicked scheming brain and all
his life. He has longed for vengeance but
never seen his Chance during the last year or two things have
gone against him. Secret speculation.
I think and he finds himself in a bad way.
He determines to Swindle his creditors and for this purpose.
He pays large checks to a certain.
Mr. Cornelius, who is I imagined himself under another name?
I have not traced these checks yet, but I have no doubt that
they were banked under that name at some provincial town.
Where oldacre from time to time. That a double existence.
He intended to change his name. All together, draw this money
and vanish starting life again elsewhere.
Well, that's likely enough. It would strike him in that in
disappearing. He might throw all pursuit of
his track and at the same time, have an ample and crushing
Revenge upon his old sweetheart. If you could give the impression
that he had been murdered by her only child.
It was a masterpiece of villainy.
And he carried out, like a master, the idea of the will,
which would have given an obvious motive for the crime.
The secret visit unknown to his Own parents, the retention of
the stick, the blood, and the animal remains and buttons in
the woodpile. All were admirable.
It was a net from, which it seemed to me a few hours ago
that there was no possible Escape, but he had not that
Supreme gift of the artist the knowledge of when to stop.
He wished to improve that which was already.
Perfect. The draw the Rope tighter yet
round the neck of his unfortunate victim and so he
ruined All let us descend lestrade.
There are just one or two questions that I would ask him.
The malignant creature was seated in his own parlor, with a
policeman upon each side of him. It was a joke.
I could sir a practical joke, nothing more.
He whined incessantly. I assure you sir that I simply
concealed myself in order to see the effect of my disappearance.
And I'm sure that you would not be.
So unjust as to imagine that, I would have allowed any harm to
befall, poor young McFarland. That's for a jury to decide
said, lestrade. Anyhow, we shall have you on
Charge of conspiracy if not for attempted murder.
And you'll probably find that your creditors will impound, the
banking account of mr. Cornelius said, Holmes, little
man started and turned his malignant eyes upon my friend.
I have to thank you for a good deal.
Said he perhaps I'll pay my debt, someday, Holmes smiled,
indulgently. I fancy that for some few years.
You'll find your time. Very fully occupied said he, by
the way, what was it? You put into the wood pile,
besides your old trousers, a dead dog or rabbits or what?
You won't tell dear me, how very unkind of you?
Well, well, I daresay that a couple of rabbits would account
both for the blood and for the charred ashes.
If ever you write an account Watson, you can make rabbits
serve your turn. End of the adventure of the
Norwood Builder.