Sherlock Holmes. You compel me to tell
you that this is too serious a matter to be treated in such a fashion."
"I have forged and tested every link of my chain, Professor Coram,
and I am sure that it is sound. What your motives are or what
exact part you play in this strange business I am not yet able to
say. In a few minutes I shall probably hear it from your own lips.
Meanwhile I will reconstruct what is past for your benefit, so that
you may know the information which I still require.
"A lady yesterday entered your study. She came with the intention
of possessing herself of certain documents which were in your
bureau. She had a key of her own. I have had an opportunity
of examining yours, and I do not find that slight discolouration
which the scratch made upon the varnish would have produced.
You were not an accessory, therefore, and she came, so far as
I can read the evidence, without your knowledge to rob you."
The Professor blew a cloud from his lips. "This is most
interesting and instructive," said he. "Have you no more to add?
Surely, having traced this lady so far, you can also say what has
become of her.
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