He was very likely afraid to go back to the room.
Give me another theory that would fit the facts."
"I could very easily give you half-a-dozen," said Holmes.
"Here, for example, is a very possible and even probable one.
I make you a free present of it. The older man is showing
documents which are of evident value. A passing tramp sees
them through the window, the blind of which is only half down.
Exit the solicitor. Enter the tramp! He seizes a stick,
which he observes there, kills Oldacre, and departs after
burning the body."
"Why should the tramp burn the body?"
"For the matter of that why should McFarlane?"
"To hide some evidence."
"Possibly the tramp wanted to hide that any murder at all had
been committed."
"And why did the tramp take nothing?"
"Because they were papers that he could not negotiate."
Lestrade shook his head, though 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 are finding him we will hold on to our man.
The future will show which is right. Just notice this point,
Mr.
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