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Let us take the little table first.

Of course, what has happened is very clear.

The man entered and took the papers, sheet by sheet, from the central table.

He carried them over to the window table, because from there he could see if you came across the courtyard, and so could effect an escape."

"As a matter of fact he could not," said Soames, "for I entered by the side door."

"Ah, that's good! Well, anyhow, that was in his mind.

Let me see the three strips.

No finger impressions - no! Well, he carried over this one first and he copied it.

How long would it take him to do that, using every possible contraction? A quarter of an hour, not less.

Then he tossed it down and seized the next.

He was in the midst of that when your return caused him to make a very hurried retreat - VERY hurried, since he had not time to replace the papers which would tell you that he had been there.

You were not aware of any hurrying feet on the stair as you entered the outer door?"

"No, I can't say I was."

"Well, he wrote so furiously that he broke his pencil, and had, as you observe, to sharpen it again.

This is of interest, Watson.

The pencil was not an ordinary one.

It was above the usual size, with a soft lead; the outer colour was dark blue, the maker's name was printed in silver lettering, and the piece remaining is only about an inch and a half long.

Look for such a pencil, Mr. Soames, and you have got your man.

When I add that he possesses a large and very blunt knife, you have an additional aid."

Mr. Soames was somewhat overwhelmed by this flood of information. "I can follow the other points," said he, "but really, in this matter of the length --"

Holmes held out a small chip with the letters NN and a space of clear wood after them.

"You see?"

"No, I fear that even now --"

"Watson, I have always done you an injustice.

There are others.

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