Chapter 3
“‘IM’ would stand for ‘Indian Mutiny’, then,” he remarked.
“Mr. Holmes, do you have any motives?” asked Gregson, who was still surprised at how quick Holmes was at deducing clues.
“Not yet, Gregson, not yet. However, I should think that this poor fellow betrayed some traitors to the government and that one of their party poisoned him.” answered Holmes. Then he took out a magnifying glass and began walking around stiffly, occasionally whistling or crying out in satisfaction. Then suddenly he stood straight and exclaimed. “Halloa, halloa, why, the man left his fingerprint against the wall!”
“Why, then surely we have him!” I exclaimed in astonishment and joy.
“Not so, Watson, not so. What if he left the country?” said Sherlock Holmes. “He would definitely leave if he knew that he left his fingerprint on the wall. We have some proof that he touched blood, because the print is reddish-brown in color.” “Watson, do you remember the blood test that I made when you met me?” he asked me.
“I have some remembrance of the matter,” I answered. “Are you going to use it?”
“Yes. It will determine if the print is actually blood.” answered Holmes.
“Inspector Gregson, I must be off. Call me tomorrow before breakfast. You might get something to eat as well.” said Holmes. “Goodbye,”
“Sir, you can’t leave me in this position!” Brown exclaimed. “Please, tell me if you have any suggestions.”
“Only this. Our man is a dangerous man. Be sure to post a constable at your lodgings.” said Holmes. Just then a woman rushed in. She had brown hair, with large and beautiful hazel eyes. “Ah, Miss Patterson,” exclaimed Holmes. “I was just expecting you. Please come in.”
“Mr. Holmes, this cipher came by telegram today at my father’s house at half-past ten in the morning today,” she said breathlessly.
I looked closely at the paper which she held. It said: ‘Wait and die, or say nothing about this to anybody.’ “Obviously this is from the criminal,” I said loudly.
“Well, if you please, I’ll take that. Dear me! Why, it’s five in the evening and we have not even had lunch. Mrs. Hudson will be violent if we miss dinner as well. Watson, let’s go.” said Holmes rather hurriedly, I should say.
Anay Ganesh 