On the first page were written the initials “J. H. N.” and the date “1883.” Holmes laid it on the table and examined it in his minute way, while Hopkins and I gazed over each shoulder. On the second page were the printed letters “C. P. R.,” and then came several sheets of numbers. Another heading was
“Argentine,” another “Costa Rica,” and another “San Paulo,” each with pages of signs and figures after it.
“What do you make of these?” asked Holmes.
“They appear to be lists of Stock Exchange securities. I thought that ' J. H. N.' were the initials of a broker, and that 'C. P. R.' may have been his client.”
“Try Canadian Pacific Railway,” said Holmes.
Stanley Hopkins swore between his teeth, and struck his thigh with his clenched hand.
“What a fool I have been!” he cried. “Of course, it is as you say. Then ‘J. H. N.’ are the only initials we have to solve. I have already examined the old Stock Exchange lists, and I can find no one in 1883, either in the house or among the outside brokers, whose initials correspond with these. Yet I feel that the clue is the most important one that I hold. You will admit, Mr. Holmes, that there is a possibility that these initials are those of the second person who was present in other words, of the murderer. I would also urge that the introduction into the case of a document relating to large masses of valuable securities gives us for the first time some indication of a motive for the crime.”
Sherlock Holmes’ face showed that he was thoroughly taken aback by this new development.
“I must admit both your points, ” said he. “I confess that this note-book, which did not appear at the inquest, modifies any views which I may have formed. I had come to a theory
