There's no motive, Mr. Holmes. That's what bothers
me -- I can't put my hand on a motive. Here's a man dead --
there's no denying that -- but, so far as I can see, no reason
on earth why anyone should wish him harm."
Holmes lit his cigar and leaned back in his chair.
"Let us hear about it," said he.
"I've got my facts pretty clear," said Stanley Hopkins.
"All I want now is to know what they all mean. The story,
so far as I can make it out, is like this. Some years ago this
country house, Yoxley Old Place, was taken by an elderly man,
who gave the name of Professor Coram. He was an invalid,
keeping his bed half the time, and the other half hobbling round
the house with a stick or being pushed about the grounds by the
gardener in a bath-chair. He was well liked by the few neighbours
who called upon him, and he has the reputation down there of
being a very learned man. His household used to consist of an
elderly housekeeper, Mrs. Marker, and of a maid, Susan Tarlton.
These have both been with him since his arrival, and they seem
to be women of excellent character. The Professor is writing
a learned book, and he found it necessary about a year ago to
engage a secretary.
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