A fan, a glove, glasses -- who knows what article may
be carried as a token or treasured when a man puts an end to his
life? This gentleman speaks of footsteps in the grass; but, after
all, it is easy to be mistaken on such a point. As to the knife,
it might well be thrown far from the unfortunate man as he fell.
It is possible that I speak as a child, but to me it seems that
Willoughby Smith has met his fate by his own hand."
Holmes seemed struck by the theory thus put forward, and he
continued to walk up and down for some time, lost in thought
and consuming cigarette after cigarette.
"Tell me, Professor Coram," he said, at last, "what is in that
cupboard in the bureau?"
"Nothing that would help a thief. Family papers, letters from
my poor wife, diplomas of Universities which have done me honour.
Here is the key. You can look for yourself."
Holmes picked up the key and looked at it for an instant;
then he handed it back.
"No; I hardly think that it would help me," said he. "I should
prefer to go quietly down to your garden and turn the whole
matter over in my head. There is something to be said for the
theory of suicide which you have put forward.
Pages:
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404