He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective fashion
which was characteristic of him. It is perhaps less suggestive than it
might have been, he remarked, and yet there are a few inferences
which are very distinct, and a few others which represent at least a
strong balance of probability. That the man was highly intellectual is
of course obvious upon the face of it, and also that he was fairly
well-to-do within the last three years, although he has now fallen upon
evil days. He had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing
to a moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his
fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, at
work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that his wife
has ceased to love him.
My dear Holmes!
He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect, he continued,
disregarding my remonstrance. He is a man who leads a sedentary life,
goes out little, is out of training entirely, is middle-aged, has
grizzled hair which he has had cut within the last few days, and which
he anoints with lime-cream. These are the more patent facts which are
to be deduced from his hat. Also, by the way, that it is extremely
improbable that he has gas laid on in his house.
You are certainly joking, Holmes.
Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you these
results, you are unable to see how they are attained?
I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I am
unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that this man was
intellectual?
For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right over the
forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. It is a question of
cubic capacity, said he; a man with so large a brain must have
something in it.
The decline of his fortunes, then?
This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge came
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