Not only this, but on the table I found
a small ball of black dough, or clay, with specks of something
which looks like sawdust in it. I am convinced that these marks
were left by the man who rifled the papers. There were no footmarks
and no other evidence as to his identity. I was at my wits'
ends, when suddenly the happy thought occurred to me that you
were in the town, and I came straight round to put the matter
into your hands. Do help me, Mr. Holmes! You see my dilemma.
Either I must find the man or else the examination must be
postponed until fresh papers are prepared, and since this cannot
be done without explanation there will ensue a hideous scandal,
which will throw a cloud not only on the college, but on the
University. Above all things I desire to settle the matter
quietly and discreetly."
"I shall be happy to look into it and to give you such advice
as I can," said Holmes, rising and putting on his overcoat.
"The case is not entirely devoid of interest. Had anyone visited
you in your room after the papers came to you?"
"Yes; young Daulat Ras, an Indian student who lives on the same
stair, came in to ask me some particulars about the examination.
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