1 00:00:00,160 --> 00:00:04,400 Speaker 1: The adventure of the three students. It was in the 2 00:00:04,679 --> 00:00:07,160 ninety five that a combination of events into which I 3 00:00:07,200 --> 00:00:10,880 need not enter caused mister Sherlock Holmes and myself to 4 00:00:10,880 --> 00:00:13,960 spend some weeks in one of our great university towns. 5 00:00:14,640 --> 00:00:16,640 And it was during this time that the small but 6 00:00:16,760 --> 00:00:19,839 instructive adventure which I am about to relate befell us. 7 00:00:20,879 --> 00:00:23,359 It will be obvious that any details which would help 8 00:00:23,399 --> 00:00:26,920 the reader exactly to identify the college or the criminal 9 00:00:27,039 --> 00:00:32,039 would be injudicious and offensive. So painful a scandal may 10 00:00:32,039 --> 00:00:35,399 well be allowed to die out with due discretion. The 11 00:00:35,479 --> 00:00:39,359 incident itself may, however, be described, since it serves to 12 00:00:39,359 --> 00:00:43,320 illustrate some of those qualities to which my friend was remarkable. 13 00:00:44,880 --> 00:00:48,240 I will endeavor in my statement to avoid such terms 14 00:00:48,280 --> 00:00:50,920 as would serve to limit the events to any particular 15 00:00:50,960 --> 00:00:54,039 place or give a clue as to the people concerned. 16 00:00:55,600 --> 00:00:58,600 We were reading at the time in furnished lodgings close 17 00:00:58,640 --> 00:01:02,119 to a library where Shlock Colmbs was pursuing some laborious 18 00:01:02,200 --> 00:01:07,480 researches in early English charters, researches which led to results 19 00:01:07,560 --> 00:01:10,319 so striking that they may be the subject of one 20 00:01:10,359 --> 00:01:15,400 of my future narratives here. It was that one evening 21 00:01:15,439 --> 00:01:19,120 we received a visit from an acquaintance, mister Hilton Solmes, 22 00:01:19,680 --> 00:01:23,760 tutor and lecturer at the College of Saint Luke's. Mister 23 00:01:23,840 --> 00:01:27,239 Solmes was a tall, spare man of a nervous and 24 00:01:27,359 --> 00:01:31,000 excitable temperament. I had always known him to be restless 25 00:01:31,000 --> 00:01:34,400 in his manner, but on this particular occasion he was 26 00:01:34,439 --> 00:01:38,079 in such a state of uncontrollable agitation that it was 27 00:01:38,120 --> 00:01:43,120 clear something very unusual had occurred. I trust, mister Holmes, 28 00:01:43,480 --> 00:01:45,319 that you can spare me a few hours of your 29 00:01:45,400 --> 00:01:48,599 valuable time. We have had a very painful incident at 30 00:01:48,640 --> 00:01:52,239 Saint Luke's, and really, but for the happy chance of 31 00:01:52,280 --> 00:01:54,599 your being in town, I should have been at a 32 00:01:54,640 --> 00:01:58,400 loss what to do. I am very busy just now, 33 00:01:58,599 --> 00:02:02,640 and I desire no distracts, my friend answered, I should 34 00:02:02,719 --> 00:02:06,959 much prefer that you called in the aid of the police. No, no, 35 00:02:07,480 --> 00:02:11,800 my dear sir, Such a course is utterly impossible, when 36 00:02:11,840 --> 00:02:14,879 once the law is evoked, it cannot be stayed again. 37 00:02:15,360 --> 00:02:18,039 And this is just one of those cases where, for 38 00:02:18,120 --> 00:02:20,840 the credit of the college it is most essential to 39 00:02:20,919 --> 00:02:25,240 avoid scandal. Your discretion is as well known as your powers, 40 00:02:25,800 --> 00:02:27,680 and you are the one man in the world who 41 00:02:27,680 --> 00:02:31,360 can help me. I beg you, mister Holmes, to do 42 00:02:31,439 --> 00:02:36,080 what you can. My friend's temper had not improved since 43 00:02:36,120 --> 00:02:39,719 he had been deprived of the congenial surroundings of Baker Street. 44 00:02:40,599 --> 00:02:44,479 Without his scrap books, his chemicals, and his homely untidiness, 45 00:02:45,039 --> 00:02:48,639 he was an uncomfortable man. He shrugged his shoulders in 46 00:02:48,759 --> 00:02:53,319 ungracious acquiescence, while our visitor, in hurried words and with 47 00:02:53,439 --> 00:02:59,240 much excitable gesticulation, poured forth his story. I must explain 48 00:02:59,280 --> 00:03:01,960 to you, mister Holmes, that tomorrow is the first day 49 00:03:01,960 --> 00:03:05,800 of the examination for the Fortescue Scholarship. I am one 50 00:03:05,840 --> 00:03:09,400 of the examiners. My subject is Greek, and the first 51 00:03:09,439 --> 00:03:12,199 of the papers consists of a large passage of Greek 52 00:03:12,280 --> 00:03:17,560 translation which the candidate has not seen. This passage is 53 00:03:17,639 --> 00:03:21,199 printed on the examination paper, and it would naturally be 54 00:03:21,240 --> 00:03:24,960 an immense advantage if the candidate could prepare it in advance. 55 00:03:25,840 --> 00:03:28,319 For this reason, great care is taken to keep the 56 00:03:28,360 --> 00:03:33,599 paper secret. Today, about three o'clock the proofs of this 57 00:03:33,719 --> 00:03:38,120 paper arrive from the printers. The exercise consists of half 58 00:03:38,120 --> 00:03:42,120 a chapter of Thucidides. I had to read it over carefully, 59 00:03:42,520 --> 00:03:46,719 as the text must be absolutely correct. At four thirty 60 00:03:46,759 --> 00:03:50,400 my task was not yet completed. I had, however, promised 61 00:03:50,439 --> 00:03:53,199 to take tea in a friend's room, so I left 62 00:03:53,240 --> 00:03:56,800 the proof upon my desk. I was absent rather more 63 00:03:56,879 --> 00:04:01,120 than an hour. You are aware, misis to Holmes that 64 00:04:01,240 --> 00:04:04,719 our college doors are double, a green baize one within 65 00:04:04,879 --> 00:04:08,360 and a heavy oak one without. As I approached my 66 00:04:08,439 --> 00:04:11,360 outer door, I was amazed to see a key in it. 67 00:04:12,120 --> 00:04:14,479 For an instant I imagined that I had left my 68 00:04:14,560 --> 00:04:18,279 own there, But on feeling in my pocket, I found 69 00:04:18,279 --> 00:04:21,959 that it was all right. The only duplicate which existed 70 00:04:22,040 --> 00:04:24,680 so far as I knew, was that which belonged to 71 00:04:24,720 --> 00:04:27,879 my servant Banister, a man who has looked after my 72 00:04:28,000 --> 00:04:32,680 room for ten years, and whose honesty is absolutely above suspicion. 73 00:04:33,600 --> 00:04:36,480 I found that the key it was indeed his, that 74 00:04:36,560 --> 00:04:39,000 he had entered my room to know if I wanted tea, 75 00:04:39,600 --> 00:04:42,079 and that he had very carelessly left the key in 76 00:04:42,120 --> 00:04:45,360 the door when he came out. His visit to my 77 00:04:45,519 --> 00:04:48,279 room must have been within a very few minutes of 78 00:04:48,319 --> 00:04:52,120 my leaving it. His forgetfulness about the key would have 79 00:04:52,120 --> 00:04:55,480 mattered little upon any other occasion, but on this one 80 00:04:55,560 --> 00:05:00,399 day it has produced the most deplorable consequences. The moment 81 00:05:00,480 --> 00:05:03,199 I looked at my table, I was aware that some 82 00:05:03,240 --> 00:05:06,800 one had rummaged among my papers. The proof was in 83 00:05:06,959 --> 00:05:11,839 three long slips. I had left them altogether. Now I 84 00:05:11,959 --> 00:05:14,240 found that one of them was lying on the floor, 85 00:05:14,759 --> 00:05:17,600 one was on the side table near the window, and 86 00:05:17,680 --> 00:05:22,040 the third was where I had left it. Holmes stirred 87 00:05:22,079 --> 00:05:25,800 for the first time. The first page on the floor, 88 00:05:26,439 --> 00:05:30,319 the second in the window, the third where you left it, 89 00:05:30,800 --> 00:05:35,759 said he exactly, mister Holmes, you amaze me. How could 90 00:05:35,800 --> 00:05:40,800 you possibly know that? Pray continue your very interesting statement. 91 00:05:42,240 --> 00:05:45,079 For an instant I imagined that Banister had taken the 92 00:05:45,199 --> 00:05:50,199 unpardonable liberty of examining my papers. He denied it, however, 93 00:05:50,519 --> 00:05:53,680 with the utmost earnestness, and I am convinced that he 94 00:05:53,759 --> 00:05:57,319 was speaking the truth. The alternative was that some one 95 00:05:57,439 --> 00:06:00,759 passing had observed the key in the door, had known 96 00:06:00,800 --> 00:06:03,399 that I was out, and had entered to look at 97 00:06:03,399 --> 00:06:06,519 the papers. A large sum of money is at stake, 98 00:06:07,079 --> 00:06:09,879 for the scholarship is a very valuable one, and an 99 00:06:09,959 --> 00:06:13,160 unscrupulous man might very well run a risk in order 100 00:06:13,199 --> 00:06:17,439 to gain an advantage over his fellows. Banister, who was 101 00:06:17,560 --> 00:06:21,199 very much upset by the incident. He had nearly fainted 102 00:06:21,240 --> 00:06:24,279 when we found that the papers had undoubtedly been tampered with. 103 00:06:25,160 --> 00:06:28,160 I gave him a little brandy and left him collapsed 104 00:06:28,199 --> 00:06:31,560 in a chair while I made a most careful examination 105 00:06:31,680 --> 00:06:35,360 of the room. I soon saw that the intruder had 106 00:06:35,399 --> 00:06:38,879 left other traces of his presence. Beside the rumpled papers 107 00:06:39,639 --> 00:06:42,800 on the table in the window were several shreds from 108 00:06:42,839 --> 00:06:46,600 a pencil which had been sharpened. A broken tip of 109 00:06:46,720 --> 00:06:51,759 lead was lying there also. Evidently the rascal had copied 110 00:06:51,759 --> 00:06:54,920 the paper in a great hurry, had broken his pencil, 111 00:06:55,439 --> 00:06:59,800 and had been compelled to put a fresh point to it. Excellent, 112 00:07:00,279 --> 00:07:03,439 said Holmes, who was recovering his good humor as his 113 00:07:03,519 --> 00:07:08,279 attention became more engrossed by the case. Fortune has been 114 00:07:08,360 --> 00:07:12,560 your friend. This was not all. I have a new 115 00:07:12,600 --> 00:07:16,160 writing table with a fine surface of red leather. I 116 00:07:16,199 --> 00:07:19,959 am prepared to swear, and so is Banister, that it 117 00:07:20,079 --> 00:07:24,000 was smooth and unstained. Now I found a clean cut 118 00:07:24,040 --> 00:07:27,480 in it, about three inches long, not a mere scratch, 119 00:07:28,000 --> 00:07:32,120 but a positive cut. Not only this, but on the 120 00:07:32,199 --> 00:07:35,720 table I found a small ball of black dough or 121 00:07:35,879 --> 00:07:39,920 clay with specks of something which looks like sawdust in it. 122 00:07:40,879 --> 00:07:44,000 I am convinced that these marks were left by the 123 00:07:44,079 --> 00:07:47,959 man who rifled the papers. There were no footmarks and 124 00:07:48,000 --> 00:07:51,199 no other evidence as to his identity. I was at 125 00:07:51,199 --> 00:07:54,519 my wits end when suddenly the happy thought occurred to 126 00:07:54,560 --> 00:07:57,720 me that you were in town, and I came straight 127 00:07:57,800 --> 00:08:00,959 round to put the matter into your hands. Do help me, 128 00:08:01,040 --> 00:08:04,680 mister Holmes. You see my dilemma. Either I must find 129 00:08:04,680 --> 00:08:08,480 the man, or else the examination must be postponed until 130 00:08:08,519 --> 00:08:12,319 fresh papers are prepared. And since this cannot be done 131 00:08:12,319 --> 00:08:16,480 without explanation, there will ensue a hideous scandal which will 132 00:08:16,480 --> 00:08:18,959 throw a cloud not only on the college, but on 133 00:08:19,040 --> 00:08:23,319 the university. Above all things, I desire to settle the 134 00:08:23,360 --> 00:08:28,399 matter quietly and discreetly. I shall be happy to look 135 00:08:28,439 --> 00:08:31,399 into it and to give you such advice as I can, 136 00:08:31,800 --> 00:08:36,480 said Holmes, rising and putting on his overcoat. The case 137 00:08:36,559 --> 00:08:40,720 is not entirely devoid of interest. Had any one visited 138 00:08:40,720 --> 00:08:44,440 you in your room after the papers came to you, Yes, 139 00:08:44,960 --> 00:08:48,480 a young dule at Ras, an Indian student who lives 140 00:08:48,559 --> 00:08:51,000 on the same stair, came in to ask me some 141 00:08:51,080 --> 00:08:56,559 particulars about the examination for which he was entered. Yes, 142 00:08:57,559 --> 00:09:01,399 and the papers were on your table. To the best 143 00:09:01,440 --> 00:09:05,639 of my belief, they were rolled up, but might be 144 00:09:05,720 --> 00:09:11,679 recognized as proofs. Possibly no one else in your room. No, 145 00:09:13,039 --> 00:09:15,519 did any one know that these proofs would be there. 146 00:09:16,639 --> 00:09:22,240 No one save the printer. Did this man Banister know? No, 147 00:09:22,919 --> 00:09:28,639 certainly not No one knew where is Banister? Now? He 148 00:09:28,759 --> 00:09:32,000 was very ill, poor fellow. I left him collapsed in 149 00:09:32,039 --> 00:09:34,279 the chair. I was in such a hurry to come 150 00:09:34,279 --> 00:09:38,960 to you. You left your door open. I locked up 151 00:09:38,960 --> 00:09:43,519 the papers first. Then it amounts to this, mister Solmes, 152 00:09:44,200 --> 00:09:48,080 that unless the Indian student recognized the roll as being proofs, 153 00:09:48,840 --> 00:09:52,120 the man who tampered with them came upon them accidentally 154 00:09:52,159 --> 00:09:55,720 without knowing that they were there. So it seems to 155 00:09:55,759 --> 00:10:03,080 me Holmes gave an enigmatic smile, well said he let 156 00:10:03,159 --> 00:10:07,320 us go round. Not one of your cases, Watson, mental 157 00:10:07,440 --> 00:10:12,039 not physical. All right, come if you want to now, 158 00:10:12,080 --> 00:10:17,159 mister Solmes, at your disposal. The sitting room of our 159 00:10:17,200 --> 00:10:20,720 client opened by a long, low latticed window on to 160 00:10:20,840 --> 00:10:23,879 the ancient like and tinted court of the Old College. 161 00:10:24,720 --> 00:10:28,039 A Gothic arched door led to a worn stone staircase. 162 00:10:29,000 --> 00:10:32,240 On the ground floor was the tutor's room. Above were 163 00:10:32,279 --> 00:10:36,799 three students, one on each story. It was already twilight 164 00:10:36,840 --> 00:10:40,639 when we reached the scene of our problem. Holmes halted 165 00:10:40,679 --> 00:10:44,559 and looked earnestly at the window. Then he approached it, and, 166 00:10:44,759 --> 00:10:48,159 standing on tiptoe with his neck craned, he looked into 167 00:10:48,159 --> 00:10:53,120 the room. He must have entered through the door. There 168 00:10:53,159 --> 00:10:57,480 is no opening except the one pane, said our learned guide. 169 00:10:58,039 --> 00:11:01,840 Dear me, said Holmes, and he smiled in a singular 170 00:11:01,879 --> 00:11:05,480 way as he glanced at our companion. Well, if there 171 00:11:05,519 --> 00:11:09,720 is nothing to be learned here, we had best go inside. 172 00:11:10,279 --> 00:11:13,159 The lecturer unlocked the outer door and ushered us into 173 00:11:13,159 --> 00:11:16,320 his room. We stood at the entrance while Holmes made 174 00:11:16,320 --> 00:11:20,360 an examination of the carpet. I am afraid there are 175 00:11:20,399 --> 00:11:24,720 no signs here, said he. One could hardly hope for 176 00:11:24,759 --> 00:11:28,799 any upon so dry a day. Your servant seems to 177 00:11:28,799 --> 00:11:31,720 have quite recovered. You left him in a chair. You say, 178 00:11:32,320 --> 00:11:37,679 which chair by the window? There? I see near this 179 00:11:37,799 --> 00:11:41,519 little table. You can come in now I have finished 180 00:11:41,519 --> 00:11:44,759 with the carpet. Let us take the little table first. 181 00:11:45,480 --> 00:11:49,399 Of course, what has happened is very clear. The man 182 00:11:49,519 --> 00:11:52,240 entered and took the papers sheet by sheet from the 183 00:11:52,320 --> 00:11:55,759 central table. He carried them over to the window table, 184 00:11:55,879 --> 00:11:58,240 because from there he could see if you came across 185 00:11:58,279 --> 00:12:02,840 the courtyard, and so could effect and escape. As a 186 00:12:02,879 --> 00:12:06,120 matter of fact, he could not, said Solmes, for I 187 00:12:06,240 --> 00:12:12,039 entered by the side door. Ah, that's good. Well, anyhow, 188 00:12:12,080 --> 00:12:14,360 that was in his mind. Now let me see the 189 00:12:14,399 --> 00:12:20,240 three strips. No finger impressions. No, well, he carried over 190 00:12:20,279 --> 00:12:23,240 this one first, and he copied it. How long would 191 00:12:23,279 --> 00:12:26,600 it take him to do that, using every possible contraction? 192 00:12:27,759 --> 00:12:30,960 Quarter of an hour, not less. Then he tossed it 193 00:12:31,039 --> 00:12:33,799 down and seized the next. He was in the midst 194 00:12:33,799 --> 00:12:35,679 of that when your return caused him to make a 195 00:12:35,759 --> 00:12:39,759 very hurried retreat, very hurried, and since he had not 196 00:12:39,879 --> 00:12:42,279 time to replace the papers, which would tell you that 197 00:12:42,360 --> 00:12:45,600 he'd been there, you were not aware of any hurrying 198 00:12:45,639 --> 00:12:49,200 feet on the stair as you entered the outer door. No, 199 00:12:49,440 --> 00:12:53,960 I can't say I was well. He wrote so furiously 200 00:12:54,039 --> 00:12:57,240 that he broke his pencil and had, as you observe, 201 00:12:57,519 --> 00:13:01,799 to sharpen it again. This is of interest, Watson. The 202 00:13:01,960 --> 00:13:05,000 pencil was not an ordinary one. It was above the 203 00:13:05,080 --> 00:13:08,799 usual size with a soft lead. The outer color was 204 00:13:08,919 --> 00:13:12,279 dark blue. The maker's name was printed in silver lettering, 205 00:13:12,960 --> 00:13:15,000 and the peace remaining is only about an inch and 206 00:13:15,000 --> 00:13:18,559 a half long. Look for such a pencil, mister Solmes, 207 00:13:18,600 --> 00:13:22,200 and you have got your man. When I add that 208 00:13:22,279 --> 00:13:26,080 he possesses a large and very blunt knife, you have 209 00:13:26,159 --> 00:13:31,480 an additional aid. Mister Solmes was somewhat overwhelmed by this 210 00:13:31,639 --> 00:13:36,559 flood of information. I can follow the other points, said he, 211 00:13:37,320 --> 00:13:41,919 But really in this matter of the length, Holmes held 212 00:13:41,960 --> 00:13:45,279 out a small chip with the letters N N and 213 00:13:45,360 --> 00:13:50,480 a space of clear wood after them. You see no, 214 00:13:51,320 --> 00:13:55,559 I fear that even now, Watson, I have always done 215 00:13:55,639 --> 00:14:00,200 you an injustice. There are others. What could this N? N? 216 00:14:01,559 --> 00:14:04,879 Is it the end of a word? You are aware 217 00:14:04,919 --> 00:14:08,960 that Johann Faber is the most common maker's name. Is 218 00:14:09,000 --> 00:14:11,000 it not clear that there is just as much of 219 00:14:11,000 --> 00:14:15,600 the pencil left as usually follows the Johan. He held 220 00:14:15,639 --> 00:14:19,960 the small table sideways to the electric light. I was 221 00:14:20,039 --> 00:14:22,759 hoping that if the paper on which he wrote was thin, 222 00:14:23,480 --> 00:14:25,879 some trace of it might have come through upon this 223 00:14:26,039 --> 00:14:31,120 polished surface. No, I see nothing. I don't think there 224 00:14:31,159 --> 00:14:34,159 is anything more to be learned here now for the 225 00:14:34,200 --> 00:14:39,080 central table. This small pellet is I presume the black 226 00:14:39,320 --> 00:14:43,600 doughy mass you spoke of roughly pyramidal in shape and 227 00:14:44,039 --> 00:14:47,639 hollowed out. I perceive, as you say, there appear to 228 00:14:47,639 --> 00:14:50,600 be grains of sawdust in it. Dear me, this is 229 00:14:50,759 --> 00:14:55,679 very interesting, and the cut a positive tear. I see 230 00:14:56,080 --> 00:14:58,519 it began with a thin scratch and ended in a 231 00:14:58,600 --> 00:15:02,200 jagged hole. I am much indebted to you for directing 232 00:15:02,240 --> 00:15:05,440 my attention to this case. Mister Solmes, Where does that 233 00:15:05,480 --> 00:15:09,960 door lead to to my bedroom? Have you been in 234 00:15:10,039 --> 00:15:14,000 it since your adventure? No? I came straight away for you. 235 00:15:15,320 --> 00:15:18,279 I should like to have a glance around. What a 236 00:15:18,399 --> 00:15:22,039 charming old fashioned room. Perhaps you will kindly wait a 237 00:15:22,039 --> 00:15:26,679 minute until I have examined the floor. No, I see nothing. 238 00:15:27,519 --> 00:15:31,080 What about this curtain you hang your clothes behind it? 239 00:15:31,759 --> 00:15:34,279 If any one were forced to conceal himself in this room, 240 00:15:34,320 --> 00:15:36,399 he must do it there, since the bed is too 241 00:15:36,480 --> 00:15:41,159 low and the wardrobe too shallow. No one there, I suppose. 242 00:15:42,600 --> 00:15:45,159 As Holmes drew the curtain, I was aware, from some 243 00:15:45,360 --> 00:15:48,919 little rigidity and alertness of his attitude, that he was 244 00:15:48,960 --> 00:15:53,000 prepared for an emergency. As a matter of fact, the 245 00:15:53,080 --> 00:15:55,960 drawn curtain disclosed nothing but three or four suits of 246 00:15:56,000 --> 00:16:00,159 clothes hanging from a line of pegs. Holmes turned away 247 00:16:00,200 --> 00:16:06,519 and stooped suddenly to the floor. Hello, what's this? Said he? 248 00:16:07,720 --> 00:16:10,799 It was a small pyramid of black putty like stuff, 249 00:16:11,559 --> 00:16:14,000 exactly like the one upon the table of the study. 250 00:16:15,039 --> 00:16:17,480 Holmes held it in his open palm in the glare 251 00:16:17,480 --> 00:16:21,440 of the electric light. Your visitor seems to have left 252 00:16:21,480 --> 00:16:24,159 traces in your bedroom as well as in your sitting room. 253 00:16:24,240 --> 00:16:29,519 Mister Solmes, What could he have wanted there? I think 254 00:16:29,519 --> 00:16:33,399 it is clear enough you came back by an unexpected way, 255 00:16:33,480 --> 00:16:35,399 and so he had no warning until you were at 256 00:16:35,440 --> 00:16:39,480 the very door. What could he do? He caught up 257 00:16:39,519 --> 00:16:42,279 everything which would betray him, and he rushed into your 258 00:16:42,279 --> 00:16:47,399 bedroom to conceal himself. Good gracious, mister Holmes. Do you 259 00:16:47,440 --> 00:16:49,519 mean to tell me that all the time I was 260 00:16:49,559 --> 00:16:52,559 talking to Banister in this room we had the man 261 00:16:52,639 --> 00:16:56,480 prisoner if we'd only known it, so I read it. 262 00:16:57,720 --> 00:17:01,399 Surely there's another alternative, mister Holmes. I don't know whether 263 00:17:01,399 --> 00:17:06,640 you observe my bedroom window lattice paned led framework, three 264 00:17:06,680 --> 00:17:10,400 separate windows, one swinging on hinge and large enough to 265 00:17:10,480 --> 00:17:15,079 admit a man exactly, and it looks out on an 266 00:17:15,119 --> 00:17:17,839 angle of the courtyard, so as to be partly invisible. 267 00:17:18,680 --> 00:17:22,240 The man might have effected his entrance there, left traces 268 00:17:22,279 --> 00:17:25,519 as he passed through the bedroom, and, finally, finding the 269 00:17:25,559 --> 00:17:30,440 door open, have escaped that way. Holmes shook his head impatiently. 270 00:17:31,720 --> 00:17:35,559 Let us be practical, said he. I understand you to 271 00:17:35,640 --> 00:17:38,480 say that there are these three students who use this 272 00:17:38,599 --> 00:17:42,759 stair and are in the habit of passing your door. Yes, 273 00:17:42,839 --> 00:17:47,880 there are, and they are all in for this examination. Yes, 274 00:17:49,119 --> 00:17:51,640 have you any reason to suspect any one of them 275 00:17:51,640 --> 00:17:57,160 more than the others? Solmes hesitated. It is a very 276 00:17:57,200 --> 00:18:02,000 delicate question, said he. One hardly likes to throw suspicion 277 00:18:02,079 --> 00:18:06,079 where there are no proofs. Let us hear the suspicions. 278 00:18:06,720 --> 00:18:10,799 I will look after the proofs. I will tell you then, 279 00:18:11,440 --> 00:18:13,680 in a few words, the character of the three men 280 00:18:13,720 --> 00:18:17,680 who inhabit these rooms. The low of the three is Gilchrist, 281 00:18:18,200 --> 00:18:21,359 a fine scholar and athlete. Plays in the rugby team 282 00:18:21,400 --> 00:18:23,759 and the cricket team for the college, and got his 283 00:18:23,839 --> 00:18:26,799 blue for the hurdles and the long jump. He is 284 00:18:26,839 --> 00:18:31,680 a fine manly fellow. His father was the notorious Sir 285 00:18:31,759 --> 00:18:36,480 Jaybez Gilchrist, who ruined himself on the turf. My scholar 286 00:18:36,519 --> 00:18:40,319 has been left very poor, but he's hard working and industrious. 287 00:18:40,960 --> 00:18:44,759 He will do well. The second floor is inhabited by 288 00:18:44,920 --> 00:18:49,000 dalut Rass the Indian. He is a quiet, inscrutable fellow, 289 00:18:49,559 --> 00:18:52,400 as most of those Indians are. He is well up 290 00:18:52,440 --> 00:18:55,039 in his work, though his Greek is his weak subject. 291 00:18:55,680 --> 00:19:00,359 He is steady and methodical. The top floor belongs to 292 00:19:00,400 --> 00:19:04,440 Miles McLaren. He is a brilliant fellow when he chooses 293 00:19:04,480 --> 00:19:07,680 to work, one of the brightest intellects of the university, 294 00:19:08,319 --> 00:19:12,839 but he is wayward, dissipated, and unprincipled. He was nearly 295 00:19:12,880 --> 00:19:16,559 expelled over a card scandal in his first year. He's 296 00:19:16,599 --> 00:19:19,160 been idling all this term, and he must look forward 297 00:19:19,200 --> 00:19:23,440 with dread to the examination. Then it is he whom 298 00:19:23,440 --> 00:19:27,640 you suspect. I dare not go so far as that. 299 00:19:28,440 --> 00:19:31,440 But of the three, he is perhaps the least unlikely. 300 00:19:32,759 --> 00:19:37,079 Exactly now, mister Solmes, let us have a look at 301 00:19:37,119 --> 00:19:42,640 your servant banister. He was a little, white faced, clean shaven, 302 00:19:42,920 --> 00:19:47,039 grisly haired fellow of fifty. He was still suffering from 303 00:19:47,079 --> 00:19:50,200 this sudden disturbance of the quiet routine of his life. 304 00:19:50,920 --> 00:19:54,400 His plump face was twitching with his nervousness, and his 305 00:19:54,480 --> 00:19:59,640 fingers could not keep still. We were investigating this unhappy 306 00:19:59,680 --> 00:20:06,359 busines banister, said his master. Yes, sir, I understand, said Holmes, 307 00:20:06,519 --> 00:20:09,599 that you left your key in the door. Yes, sir, 308 00:20:10,839 --> 00:20:13,359 Was it not very extraordinary that you should do this 309 00:20:13,519 --> 00:20:16,480 on the very day when there were these papers inside? 310 00:20:17,799 --> 00:20:21,640 It was most unfortunate, sir. But I have occasionally done 311 00:20:21,680 --> 00:20:25,400 the same thing at other times. When did you enter 312 00:20:25,440 --> 00:20:29,599 the room? It was about half plus four, that is 313 00:20:29,640 --> 00:20:33,400 mister Solme's tea time. And how long did you stay 314 00:20:34,640 --> 00:20:37,279 when I saw that he was absent? I was true 315 00:20:37,319 --> 00:20:42,480 at once? Did you look at these papers on the table? No, sir, 316 00:20:43,160 --> 00:20:46,319 certainly not. How came you to leave the key in 317 00:20:46,359 --> 00:20:49,920 the door? I had a tea tray in my hand, 318 00:20:50,440 --> 00:20:52,440 and I thought I'd come back for the key. Then 319 00:20:52,480 --> 00:20:57,359 I forgot. Has the outer door a spring lock? No, sir, 320 00:20:58,440 --> 00:21:02,559 Then it was open all the time, yes, sir, any 321 00:21:02,559 --> 00:21:06,400 one in the room could get out, Yes, sir. When 322 00:21:06,440 --> 00:21:09,480 mister Solmes returned and called for you, you were very 323 00:21:09,519 --> 00:21:14,440 much disturbed, Yes, sir, such a thing has never happened 324 00:21:14,480 --> 00:21:18,000 during the many years that I've been here. I nearly fainted, sir, 325 00:21:19,279 --> 00:21:22,519 so I understand Where were you when you began to 326 00:21:22,559 --> 00:21:28,000 feel bad? Where was I, sir? Why? Here near the door? 327 00:21:29,200 --> 00:21:32,759 That is singular? Because you sat down in that chair 328 00:21:32,799 --> 00:21:36,599 over yonder near the corner. Why did you pass these 329 00:21:36,680 --> 00:21:41,400 other chairs? I don't know, sir. It didn't matter to 330 00:21:41,519 --> 00:21:45,799 me where I sat. I really don't think he knew 331 00:21:45,960 --> 00:21:49,079 much about it, mister Holmes. He was looking very bad, 332 00:21:49,519 --> 00:21:55,160 quite ghastly. You stayed here when your master left only 333 00:21:55,240 --> 00:21:57,839 for a minute or so. Then I locked the door 334 00:21:57,960 --> 00:22:03,640 and went to my room. Whom do you suspect? Oh? 335 00:22:03,640 --> 00:22:06,599 I would not venture to say, sir, I don't believe 336 00:22:06,640 --> 00:22:09,359 there is any gentleman in this university who is capable 337 00:22:09,400 --> 00:22:13,079 of profiting by such an action. No, sir, I'll not 338 00:22:13,200 --> 00:22:19,359 believe it. Thank you. That'll do, said Holmes. Oh one 339 00:22:19,400 --> 00:22:22,279 more word. You have not mentioned to any of the 340 00:22:22,319 --> 00:22:27,000 three gentlemen whom you attend that anything is amiss, No, sir, 341 00:22:27,680 --> 00:22:31,759 not a word. You haven't seen any of them, No, sir, 342 00:22:33,119 --> 00:22:36,599 Very good. Now, mister Solmes, we will take a walk 343 00:22:36,640 --> 00:22:40,799 in the quadrangle if you please. Three yellow squares of 344 00:22:40,880 --> 00:22:44,839 light shone above us in the gathering gloom. Your three 345 00:22:44,920 --> 00:22:50,200 birds are all in their nests, said Holmes, looking up HALLO, 346 00:22:50,559 --> 00:22:55,440 what's that? One of them seems restless enough. It was 347 00:22:55,480 --> 00:22:59,480 the Indian whose dark silhouette appeared suddenly upon his blind 348 00:23:00,279 --> 00:23:04,359 He was pacing swiftly up and down his room. I 349 00:23:04,359 --> 00:23:06,119 should like to have a peep at each of them, 350 00:23:06,319 --> 00:23:10,759 said Holmes. Is it possible, No difficulty in the world, 351 00:23:11,240 --> 00:23:14,960 Solmes answered. This set of rooms is quite the oldest 352 00:23:15,000 --> 00:23:17,920 in the college, and it is not unusual for visitors 353 00:23:17,960 --> 00:23:20,920 to go over them. Come along and I will personally 354 00:23:20,960 --> 00:23:25,599 conduct you. No names, please, said Holmes. As we knocked 355 00:23:25,599 --> 00:23:30,400 at Gilchrist's door, a tall, flaxen haired, slim young fellow 356 00:23:30,440 --> 00:23:33,400 opened it and made us welcome when he understood our 357 00:23:33,519 --> 00:23:37,480 errand there were some really curious pieces of medieval domestic 358 00:23:37,599 --> 00:23:41,559 architecture within. Holmes was so charmed with one of them 359 00:23:42,000 --> 00:23:44,440 that he insisted on drawing it in his note book, 360 00:23:44,880 --> 00:23:48,000 broke his pencil, had to borrow one from our host, 361 00:23:48,680 --> 00:23:52,279 and finally borrowed a knife to sharpen his own. The 362 00:23:52,359 --> 00:23:55,319 same curious accident happened to him in the rooms of 363 00:23:55,359 --> 00:23:59,640 the Indian, a silent, little hook nosed fellow who eyed 364 00:23:59,720 --> 00:24:04,039 us askance and was obviously glad when Holmes's architectural studies 365 00:24:04,039 --> 00:24:07,200 had come to an end. I could not see that 366 00:24:07,279 --> 00:24:09,920 in either case Holmes had come upon the clue for 367 00:24:09,960 --> 00:24:13,519 which he was searching. Only at the third did our 368 00:24:13,599 --> 00:24:17,279 visit prove abortive. The outer door would not open to 369 00:24:17,359 --> 00:24:20,720 our knock, and nothing more substantial than a torrent of 370 00:24:20,839 --> 00:24:25,160 bad language came from behind it. I don't care who 371 00:24:25,200 --> 00:24:29,359 you are. You can go to Blazes, roared the angry voice. 372 00:24:29,799 --> 00:24:33,759 Tomorrow is exam, and I won't be drawn by any one. 373 00:24:34,160 --> 00:24:37,680 A rude fellow, said our guide, flushing with anger, as 374 00:24:37,680 --> 00:24:40,759 we withdrew down the stair. Of course, he did not 375 00:24:40,880 --> 00:24:43,839 realize that it was I who was knocking, but none 376 00:24:43,839 --> 00:24:47,880 the less, his conduct was very uncourteous, and indeed, under 377 00:24:47,920 --> 00:24:54,039 the circumstances, rather suspicious. Holmes's response was a curious one. 378 00:24:54,640 --> 00:24:58,920 Can you tell me his exact height? He asked, Really, 379 00:24:58,920 --> 00:25:03,079 mister Holmes, I cannot undertake to say he is taller 380 00:25:03,119 --> 00:25:07,240 than the Indian, not so tall as Gilchrist. I suppose 381 00:25:07,279 --> 00:25:11,480 five foot six would be about it. That is very important, 382 00:25:11,839 --> 00:25:16,160 said Holmes, and now, mister Solmes, I wish you good night, 383 00:25:17,759 --> 00:25:22,480 our guide cried aloud in his astonishment and dismay. Good gracious, 384 00:25:22,480 --> 00:25:25,319 mister Holmes, you are surely not going to leave me 385 00:25:25,400 --> 00:25:28,759 in this abrupt fashion. You don't seem to realize the 386 00:25:28,839 --> 00:25:33,359 position to morrow is the examination. I must take some 387 00:25:33,440 --> 00:25:36,960 definite action to night. I cannot allow the examination to 388 00:25:37,000 --> 00:25:39,559 be held if one of the papers has been tampered with. 389 00:25:40,279 --> 00:25:44,880 The situation must be faced. You must leave it as 390 00:25:44,920 --> 00:25:48,519 it is. I shall drop round early to morrow morning 391 00:25:48,599 --> 00:25:51,680 and chat the matter over. It is possible that I 392 00:25:51,759 --> 00:25:54,799 may be in a position then to indicate some course 393 00:25:54,839 --> 00:26:01,759 of action. Meanwhile, you change nothing, nothing at all. Very good, 394 00:26:01,799 --> 00:26:05,759 mister Holmes. You can be perfectly easy in your mind. 395 00:26:06,480 --> 00:26:09,720 We shall certainly find some way out of your difficulties. 396 00:26:10,359 --> 00:26:13,359 I will take the black clay with me, also the 397 00:26:13,400 --> 00:26:18,680 pencil cuttings. Goodbye. When we were out in the darkness 398 00:26:18,759 --> 00:26:21,759 of the quadrangle, we again looked up at the windows. 399 00:26:22,720 --> 00:26:28,839 The Indians still paced his room, the others were invisible. Well, Watson, 400 00:26:29,279 --> 00:26:31,599 what do you think of it? Holmes asked, as we 401 00:26:31,720 --> 00:26:35,920 came out into the main street. Quite a little parlor game, 402 00:26:36,680 --> 00:26:40,000 a sort of three card trick, is it not? There 403 00:26:40,000 --> 00:26:42,559 are your three men, it must be one of them. 404 00:26:43,279 --> 00:26:47,920 You take your choice, which is yours? The owlmouth fellow 405 00:26:47,960 --> 00:26:51,039 at the top, he's one with the worst record. And 406 00:26:51,119 --> 00:26:54,319 yet that Indian was a sly fellow. Also, why should 407 00:26:54,319 --> 00:26:57,519 he be pacing his room all the time? There is 408 00:26:57,599 --> 00:27:00,359 nothing in that. Many men do it when you trying 409 00:27:00,359 --> 00:27:03,799 to learn anything by heart. He looked at us in 410 00:27:03,839 --> 00:27:07,359 a queer way. So would you if a flock of 411 00:27:07,440 --> 00:27:09,960 strangers came in on you when you were preparing for 412 00:27:10,000 --> 00:27:14,759 an examination next day, and every moment was of value? No, 413 00:27:15,039 --> 00:27:18,680 I see nothing in that. Pencils too, and knives all 414 00:27:18,799 --> 00:27:25,960 was satisfactory. But that fellow does puzzle me. Who why 415 00:27:26,400 --> 00:27:31,240 banister the servant? What's his game in the matter? He 416 00:27:31,319 --> 00:27:35,359 impressed me as being a perfectly honest man, so he 417 00:27:35,440 --> 00:27:40,680 did me. That's the puzzling part. Why should a perfectly 418 00:27:40,759 --> 00:27:44,759 honest man? Well, well, here's a large stationers. We shall 419 00:27:44,799 --> 00:27:48,960 begin our researches here. There were only four stationers of 420 00:27:49,000 --> 00:27:53,000 any consequence in the town, and at each Holmes produced 421 00:27:53,000 --> 00:27:56,759 his pencil chips and bid. All were agreed that one 422 00:27:56,799 --> 00:27:59,599 could be ordered. But it was not a usual size 423 00:27:59,599 --> 00:28:02,440 of pencil, and that it was seldom kept in stock. 424 00:28:03,559 --> 00:28:06,720 My friend did not appear to be depressed by his failure, 425 00:28:07,279 --> 00:28:11,960 but shrugged his shoulders in half humorous resignation. No good, 426 00:28:12,200 --> 00:28:16,319 my dear Watson, This the best and only final clue, 427 00:28:16,400 --> 00:28:20,039 has run to nothing. But indeed I have little doubt 428 00:28:20,119 --> 00:28:22,640 that we can build up a sufficient case without it. 429 00:28:23,519 --> 00:28:26,759 By Jove, my dear fellow, it is nearly nine, and 430 00:28:26,880 --> 00:28:30,799 the landlady babbled of green peas at seven thirty. What 431 00:28:30,880 --> 00:28:35,319 with your eternal tobacco, Watson, and your irregularity at meals, 432 00:28:35,880 --> 00:28:38,640 I expect that you will get notice to quit, and 433 00:28:38,720 --> 00:28:42,880 that I shall share your downfall. Not, however, before we 434 00:28:42,960 --> 00:28:47,119 have solved the problem of the nervous tutor, the careless servant, 435 00:28:47,240 --> 00:28:53,480 and the three enterprising students. Holmes made no further allusion 436 00:28:53,519 --> 00:28:56,279 to the matter that day, though he sat lost in 437 00:28:56,400 --> 00:29:00,279 thought for a long time. After our belated dinner. At 438 00:29:00,319 --> 00:29:02,599 eight in the morning, he came into my room just 439 00:29:02,640 --> 00:29:07,200 as I finished my toilet. Well, Watson said he, it 440 00:29:07,319 --> 00:29:10,240 is time we went down to Saint Luke's. Can you 441 00:29:10,359 --> 00:29:15,319 do without breakfast? Certainly, Solmes will be in a dreadful 442 00:29:15,359 --> 00:29:18,160 fidget until we are able to tell him something positive. 443 00:29:19,359 --> 00:29:22,960 Have you anything positive to tell him? I think so 444 00:29:24,160 --> 00:29:28,920 you have formed a conclusion. Yes, my dear Watson, I 445 00:29:29,039 --> 00:29:33,200 have solved the mystery. But what fresh evidence could you 446 00:29:33,240 --> 00:29:38,079 have got? Ah? It is not for nothing that I 447 00:29:38,079 --> 00:29:41,079 have turned myself out of bed at the untimely hour 448 00:29:41,200 --> 00:29:45,640 of six. I've put in two hours hard work and 449 00:29:45,759 --> 00:29:48,359 covered at least five miles with something to show for it. 450 00:29:49,039 --> 00:29:53,160 Look at that he held out his hand on the 451 00:29:53,200 --> 00:29:58,680 palm were three little pyramids of black doughy clay. Why, Holmes, 452 00:29:58,839 --> 00:30:02,599 you only had two yesterday and one more this morning. 453 00:30:03,400 --> 00:30:06,359 It is a fair argument that wherever number three came 454 00:30:06,400 --> 00:30:10,480 from is also the source of numbers one and two. Eh, Watson, 455 00:30:11,440 --> 00:30:14,359 well come along and put friend Solmes out of his pain. 456 00:30:15,920 --> 00:30:19,000 The unfortunate tutor was certainly in a state of pitiable 457 00:30:19,039 --> 00:30:22,480 agitation when we found him in his chambers. In a 458 00:30:22,480 --> 00:30:26,480 few hours the examination would commence, and he was still 459 00:30:26,519 --> 00:30:30,039 in the dilemma between making the facts public and allowing 460 00:30:30,079 --> 00:30:34,000 the culprit to compete for the valuable scholarship. He could 461 00:30:34,039 --> 00:30:37,839 hardly stand still, so great was his mental agitation, and 462 00:30:37,960 --> 00:30:42,920 he ran towards homes with two eager hands outstretched. Thank 463 00:30:43,240 --> 00:30:46,319 Heaven that you've come. I feared that you had given 464 00:30:46,359 --> 00:30:49,559 it up in despair? What am I to do? Shall 465 00:30:49,559 --> 00:30:55,400 examination proceed? Yes, let it proceed by all means. But 466 00:30:55,519 --> 00:31:01,599 this rascal he shall not compete, you know him? I 467 00:31:01,680 --> 00:31:05,240 think so. If this matter is not to become public, 468 00:31:05,839 --> 00:31:09,400 we must give ourselves certain powers and resolve ourselves into 469 00:31:09,480 --> 00:31:15,119 a small private court martial. You there, if you please, Solmes, Watson, 470 00:31:15,680 --> 00:31:18,680 you here, I'll take the arm chair in the middle. 471 00:31:19,640 --> 00:31:22,720 I think that we're now sufficiently imposing to strike terror 472 00:31:22,720 --> 00:31:28,480 into a guilty breast. Kindly ring the bell, Banister entered 473 00:31:28,960 --> 00:31:32,240 and shrank back in evidence surprise and fear at our 474 00:31:32,400 --> 00:31:39,680 judicial appearance. You will kindly close the door, said Holmes. Now, banister, 475 00:31:40,480 --> 00:31:43,960 will you please tell us the truth about yesterday's incident? 476 00:31:45,319 --> 00:31:47,880 The man turned white to the roots of his hair. 477 00:31:49,079 --> 00:31:56,240 I've told you everything, sir, nothing to add, nothing at all, sir. Well, 478 00:31:56,319 --> 00:32:00,559 then I must make some suggestions to you. When you 479 00:32:00,640 --> 00:32:03,920 sat down on that chair yesterday, did you do so 480 00:32:04,079 --> 00:32:07,160 in order to conceal some object which would have shown 481 00:32:07,279 --> 00:32:12,640 who had been in the room. Banister's face was ghastly. No, sir, 482 00:32:13,119 --> 00:32:17,880 certainly not. It is only a suggestion, said Holmes, suavely. 483 00:32:18,799 --> 00:32:21,319 I frankly admit that I am unable to prove it, 484 00:32:22,119 --> 00:32:25,680 but it seems probably enough. Since the moment that mister 485 00:32:25,759 --> 00:32:29,119 Solmes's back was turned, you released the man who was 486 00:32:29,240 --> 00:32:34,480 hiding in that bedroom. Banister licked his dry lips. There 487 00:32:34,599 --> 00:32:39,480 was no man, sir, ah, that's a pity. Banister. Up 488 00:32:39,519 --> 00:32:42,799 to now you may have spoken the truth, but now 489 00:32:42,839 --> 00:32:46,680 I know that you have lied. The man's face set 490 00:32:46,720 --> 00:32:54,039 in sullen defiance. There was no man, sir. Come, come, banister, No, sir, 491 00:32:54,480 --> 00:32:57,759 there was no one in that case. You can give 492 00:32:57,799 --> 00:33:00,880 us no further information, would if you please remain in 493 00:33:00,880 --> 00:33:05,759 the room stand over there near the bedroom door. Now, Solmes, 494 00:33:06,039 --> 00:33:07,559 I am going to ask you to have the great 495 00:33:07,680 --> 00:33:10,240 kindness to go up to the room of young Gilchrist 496 00:33:10,720 --> 00:33:14,880 and to ask him to step down into yours. An 497 00:33:14,920 --> 00:33:18,480 instant later, the tutor returned, bringing with him the student. 498 00:33:19,319 --> 00:33:22,559 He was a fine figure of a man, tall, lithe 499 00:33:22,599 --> 00:33:26,759 and agile, with a springy step and a pleasant open face. 500 00:33:27,720 --> 00:33:30,680 His troubled blue eyes glanced at each of us, and 501 00:33:30,799 --> 00:33:34,440 finally rested with an expression of blank dismay upon Banister 502 00:33:34,640 --> 00:33:40,200 in the farther corner. Just close the door, said Holmes. Now, 503 00:33:40,200 --> 00:33:43,880 mister Gilcrist, we are all quite alone here, and no 504 00:33:43,880 --> 00:33:46,920 one need ever know one word of what passes between us. 505 00:33:47,680 --> 00:33:51,200 We can be perfectly frank with each other. We want 506 00:33:51,240 --> 00:33:55,000 to know, mister Gilchrist, how you, an honorable man, ever 507 00:33:55,119 --> 00:33:57,880 came to commit such an action as that of yesterday. 508 00:33:59,240 --> 00:34:02,960 The unfortunate young man staggered back and cast a look 509 00:34:03,039 --> 00:34:08,039 full of horror and reproach at Banister. No, no, mister Gilcrist, Sir, 510 00:34:08,719 --> 00:34:13,519 I never said a word, Never one word, cried the servant. No. 511 00:34:13,880 --> 00:34:18,000 But you have now, said Holmes. Now, sir, you must 512 00:34:18,000 --> 00:34:21,920 see that after Banister's words, your position is hopeless, and 513 00:34:21,960 --> 00:34:26,719 that your only chance lies in a frank confession. For 514 00:34:26,800 --> 00:34:31,079 a moment, Gilchrist, with upraised hand, tried to control his 515 00:34:31,159 --> 00:34:34,639 writhing features. The next he had thrown himself on his 516 00:34:34,719 --> 00:34:38,199 knees beside the table, and burying his face in his hands, 517 00:34:38,559 --> 00:34:43,679 he had burst into a storm of passionate sobbing. Come, Come, 518 00:34:44,039 --> 00:34:47,800 said Holmes, kindly. It is human to err, and at 519 00:34:47,880 --> 00:34:50,960 least no one can accuse you of being a callous criminal. 520 00:34:51,960 --> 00:34:53,960 Perhaps it would be easier for you. If I were 521 00:34:53,960 --> 00:34:57,000 to tell mister Solmes what occurred, and you can check 522 00:34:57,079 --> 00:35:01,039 me where I am wrong, shall I do so? Well? Well, 523 00:35:01,119 --> 00:35:04,320 don't trouble to answer. Listen and see that I do 524 00:35:04,440 --> 00:35:08,760 you no injustice. From the moment, mister Solmes, that you 525 00:35:08,800 --> 00:35:11,800 said to me that no one, not even banister, could 526 00:35:11,800 --> 00:35:14,320 have told that the papers were in your room, the 527 00:35:14,400 --> 00:35:17,079 case began to take a definite shape in my mind. 528 00:35:18,039 --> 00:35:21,679 The printer one could of course dismiss he could examine 529 00:35:21,679 --> 00:35:25,039 the papers in his own office. The Indian I also 530 00:35:25,159 --> 00:35:28,320 thought nothing of if the proofs were in a roll, 531 00:35:28,599 --> 00:35:32,000 he could not possibly know what they were. On the 532 00:35:32,079 --> 00:35:36,320 other hand, it seemed an unthinkable coincidence that a man 533 00:35:36,360 --> 00:35:39,639 should dare to enter the room, and that, by chance, 534 00:35:39,719 --> 00:35:42,159 on that very day, the papers were on the table. 535 00:35:43,159 --> 00:35:47,000 I dismissed that the man who entered knew that the 536 00:35:47,000 --> 00:35:51,960 papers were there? How did he know? When I approached 537 00:35:51,960 --> 00:35:55,679 your room, I examined a window. You amused me by 538 00:35:55,679 --> 00:35:59,360 supposing that I was contemplating the possibility of some one having, 539 00:35:59,400 --> 00:36:02,280 in broad day daylight, under the eyes of all these 540 00:36:02,360 --> 00:36:07,360 opposite rooms, forced himself through it. Such an idea was absurd. 541 00:36:08,360 --> 00:36:10,440 I was measuring how tall a man would need to 542 00:36:10,480 --> 00:36:13,760 be in order to see as he passed what papers 543 00:36:13,800 --> 00:36:17,239 were on the central table. I am six feet high, 544 00:36:17,280 --> 00:36:20,159 and I could do it without an effort. No one 545 00:36:20,280 --> 00:36:23,679 less than that would have a chance. Already, you see, 546 00:36:23,679 --> 00:36:26,199 I had reason to think that if one of your 547 00:36:26,239 --> 00:36:29,880 three students was a man of unusual height, he was 548 00:36:29,920 --> 00:36:34,320 the most worth watching of the three. I entered, and 549 00:36:34,440 --> 00:36:37,559 I took you into my confidence. As to the suggestions 550 00:36:37,599 --> 00:36:41,000 of the side table of the center table. I could 551 00:36:41,000 --> 00:36:45,320 make nothing until in your description of Gilchrist you mentioned 552 00:36:45,320 --> 00:36:48,920 that he was a long distance jumper. Then the whole 553 00:36:48,960 --> 00:36:51,960 thing came to me in an instant, and I only 554 00:36:52,000 --> 00:36:57,880 needed certain corroborative proofs, which I speedily obtained. What happened 555 00:36:57,880 --> 00:37:02,320 with this? This young fellow had employed his afternoon at 556 00:37:02,360 --> 00:37:05,599 the athletic grounds, where he had been practicing the jump. 557 00:37:06,400 --> 00:37:10,239 He returned carrying his jumping shoes, which are provided, as 558 00:37:10,280 --> 00:37:14,199 you are aware, with several sharp spikes. As he passed 559 00:37:14,199 --> 00:37:17,199 your window, he saw, by means of his great height, 560 00:37:17,480 --> 00:37:21,239 these proofs upon your table and conjectured what they were. 561 00:37:22,039 --> 00:37:24,559 No harm would have been done had it not been 562 00:37:24,639 --> 00:37:28,400 that as he passed your door he perceived the key, 563 00:37:28,440 --> 00:37:31,119 which had been left by the carelessness of your servant. 564 00:37:32,119 --> 00:37:35,559 A sudden impulse came over him to enter and see 565 00:37:35,559 --> 00:37:38,519 if they were indeed the proofs. It was not a 566 00:37:38,639 --> 00:37:41,360 dangerous exploit, for he could always pretend that he had 567 00:37:41,360 --> 00:37:45,760 simply looked in to ask a question. Well, when he 568 00:37:45,800 --> 00:37:49,039 saw that they were indeed the proofs, it was then 569 00:37:49,119 --> 00:37:52,559 that he yielded to temptation. He put his shoes on 570 00:37:52,639 --> 00:37:55,159 the table. What was it you put on that chair 571 00:37:55,199 --> 00:38:00,400 near the window, gloves, said the young man home looked 572 00:38:00,480 --> 00:38:04,519 triumphantly at banister. He put his gloves on the chair, 573 00:38:04,599 --> 00:38:07,840 and he took the proofs sheet by sheet to copy them. 574 00:38:08,760 --> 00:38:11,400 He thought the tutor must return by the main gate, 575 00:38:11,960 --> 00:38:15,519 and that he would see him. As we know, he 576 00:38:15,559 --> 00:38:19,280 came back by the side gate. Suddenly he heard him 577 00:38:19,280 --> 00:38:22,920 at the very door. There was no possible escape. He 578 00:38:22,960 --> 00:38:25,320 forgot his gloves, but he caught up his shoes and 579 00:38:25,440 --> 00:38:29,000 darted into the bedroom. You observed that the scratch on 580 00:38:29,119 --> 00:38:32,679 that table is slight at one side, but deepens in 581 00:38:32,719 --> 00:38:36,400 the direction of the bedroom door. That in itself is 582 00:38:36,519 --> 00:38:38,960 enough to show us that the shoe had been drawn 583 00:38:39,039 --> 00:38:42,320 in that direction, and that the culprit had taken refuge there. 584 00:38:43,400 --> 00:38:45,760 The earth round the spike had been left on the table, 585 00:38:45,800 --> 00:38:48,920 and a second sample was loosened and fell into the bedroom. 586 00:38:49,960 --> 00:38:52,480 I may add that I walked out to the athletic 587 00:38:52,519 --> 00:38:56,679 grounds this morning, saw that tenacious black clay is used 588 00:38:56,679 --> 00:38:59,719 in the jumping pit, and carried away a specimen of it, 589 00:39:00,079 --> 00:39:03,079 together with some of the fine tan or sawdust, which 590 00:39:03,119 --> 00:39:06,280 is strewn over it to prevent the athlete from slipping. 591 00:39:07,320 --> 00:39:11,559 Have I told the truth, mister Gilchrist The student had 592 00:39:11,599 --> 00:39:16,320 drawn himself erect? Yes, sir, it is true, said he 593 00:39:17,440 --> 00:39:22,480 good Heavens. Have you nothing to add, cried Solmes, Yes, sir, 594 00:39:23,119 --> 00:39:26,599 I have, but the shock of this disgraceful exposure has 595 00:39:26,599 --> 00:39:29,760 bewildered me. I have a letter here, mister Solmes, which 596 00:39:29,760 --> 00:39:31,960 I wrote to you early this morning, in the middle 597 00:39:31,960 --> 00:39:35,000 of a restless night. It was before I knew that 598 00:39:35,039 --> 00:39:38,000 my sin had found me out here. It is, sir. 599 00:39:38,679 --> 00:39:41,199 You will see that I have said I have determined 600 00:39:41,320 --> 00:39:44,239 not to go in for the examination. I have been 601 00:39:44,280 --> 00:39:47,239 offered a commission in the Rhodesian Police, and I am 602 00:39:47,280 --> 00:39:51,320 going out to South Africa at once. I am indeed 603 00:39:51,360 --> 00:39:53,760 pleased to hear that you did not intend to profit 604 00:39:53,880 --> 00:39:57,960 by your unfair advantage, said Solmes, But why did you 605 00:39:58,119 --> 00:40:04,119 change your purpose? Gilchrist pointed to Banister, there is the 606 00:40:04,159 --> 00:40:07,320 man who set me in the right path, said he. 607 00:40:08,719 --> 00:40:12,400 Come now, banister, said Holmes, it will be clear to 608 00:40:12,480 --> 00:40:15,320 you from what I have said that only you could 609 00:40:15,360 --> 00:40:17,800 have let this young man out, since you were left 610 00:40:17,800 --> 00:40:19,880 in the room and must have locked the door when 611 00:40:19,880 --> 00:40:23,519 you went out. As to his escaping by that window, 612 00:40:24,239 --> 00:40:27,599 it was incredible. Can you not clear up the last 613 00:40:27,639 --> 00:40:30,639 point in this mystery and tell us the reasons for 614 00:40:30,719 --> 00:40:35,159 your action? It was simply enough, sir, if you only 615 00:40:35,199 --> 00:40:38,199 had known. But with all your cleverness, it was impossible 616 00:40:38,199 --> 00:40:41,599 that you could know. Time was, sir, when I was 617 00:40:41,639 --> 00:40:45,760 butler tot old Sir Jabers Gilcrist, this young gentleman's father, 618 00:40:46,599 --> 00:40:49,239 when he was ruined. I came to the college a servant, 619 00:40:49,719 --> 00:40:52,559 but I never forgot my old employer because he was 620 00:40:52,639 --> 00:40:55,880 down in the world. I watched his son all I could, 621 00:40:55,880 --> 00:40:59,239 for the sake of the old days. Well, Sir, when 622 00:40:59,280 --> 00:41:02,440 I came into this room yesterday when the alarm was given, 623 00:41:02,559 --> 00:41:05,159 the very first thing I saw was mister Gilchrist, and 624 00:41:05,320 --> 00:41:10,039 gloves are lying in that chair. I knew those gloves well, 625 00:41:10,559 --> 00:41:14,239 and I understood their message. If mister Solmes saw them, 626 00:41:14,599 --> 00:41:17,920 the game was up. I flopped down into that chair 627 00:41:18,320 --> 00:41:21,079 and nothing would budge me until mister Solmes he went 628 00:41:21,159 --> 00:41:25,280 for you. Then out came my poor young master, whom 629 00:41:25,280 --> 00:41:28,159 I dandled on my knee and confessed it all to me. 630 00:41:29,119 --> 00:41:32,079 Wasn't it natural, sir, that I should save him? And 631 00:41:32,239 --> 00:41:34,599 wasn't it natural also that I should try to speak 632 00:41:34,639 --> 00:41:37,039 to him as his dead father would have done and 633 00:41:37,119 --> 00:41:39,599 make him understand that he could not profit by such 634 00:41:39,639 --> 00:41:45,480 a deed. Could you blame me, sir? No, indeed, said Holmes, heartily, 635 00:41:45,679 --> 00:41:49,719 springing to his feet. Well, Solmes, I think we've cleared 636 00:41:49,719 --> 00:41:53,119 your little problem up, and our breakfast awaits us at home. 637 00:41:53,880 --> 00:41:57,400 Come Watson. As to you, sir, I trust that a 638 00:41:57,440 --> 00:42:01,000 bright future awaits you in Rhodesia, for once you have 639 00:42:01,079 --> 00:42:05,239 fallen low, let us see in the future how high 640 00:42:05,320 --> 00:42:10,800 you can rise. End of the Adventure of the Three Students.