If, after doing so, one simply knocks out all
the central inferences and presents one's audience with the
starting-point and the conclusion, one may produce a startling,
though possibly a meretricious, effect. Now, it was not really
difficult, by an inspection of the groove between your left
forefinger and thumb, to feel sure that you did NOT propose
to invest your small capital in the goldfields."
"I see no connection."
"Very likely not; but I can quickly show you a close connection.
Here are the missing links of the very simple chain: 1. You had
chalk between your left finger and thumb when you returned from the
club last night. 2. You put chalk there when you play billiards to
steady the cue. 3. You never play billiards except with Thurston.
4. You told me four weeks ago that Thurston had an option on some
South African property which would expire in a month, and which he
desired you to share with him. 5. Your cheque-book is locked in my
drawer, and you have not asked for the key. 6. You do not propose
to invest your money in this manner."
"How absurdly simple!" I cried.
"Quite so!" said he, a little nettled.
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