I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and inference.

Therein lies my m鬨（er, and it is just possible that it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before us.

There are one or two minor points which were brought out in the inquest, and which are worth considering." "What are they ?" "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after the return to Hatherley Farm.

On the inspector of constabulary informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts.
This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the coroner's jury." "It was a confession," I ejaculated.
"No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at least a most suspicious remark." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I can at present see in the clouds.

However innocent he might be, he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the circumstances were very black against him.