and had been compelled to put a fresh point to it."

"Excellent!" said Holmes, who was recovering his good-humour

as his attention became more engrossed by the case.

"Fortune has been your friend."

"This was not all. I have a new writing-table with a fine

surface of red leather. I am prepared to swear, and so is

Bannister, that it was smooth and unstained. Now I found a

clean cut in it about three inches long -- not a mere scratch,

but a positive cut. 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

06.09.2007