In this chapter, Holmes and Watson continue

their investigation into the mysterious case at

St. Luke's College. They question Mr. Soames,
the tutor, and search his room for clues. They
find a small pyramid of black putty-like
substance, similar to the one they found in the
study. Holmes deduces that the intruder rushed
into Soames's bedroom to hide when he
unexpectedly returned.
They discuss the three students who use the
staircase near Soames's room and are in the
midst of preparing for an important
examination. Holmes asks if there are any
suspicions regarding the students, and Soames
hesitates before mentioning Miles McLaren,
who is known for his brilliance but also his
reckless behavior.
Holmes decides to investigate the rooms of the
three students. They visit Gilchrist's room,
where Holmes becomes engrossed in
examining some medieval architecture. They
then visit the Indian student's room, where
Holmes observes his pacing but finds no
significant clues. Lastly, they go to McLaren's
room, but he refuses to open the door and
responds angrily to their presence.
Holmes finds McLaren's behavior suspicious
and asks about his height. Soames estimates
that McLaren is around five foot six. Holmes
considers this information important and bids
them farewell for the night, promising to return
in the morning with a plan.
The next morning, Holmes returns with
evidence—a third pyramid of black clay—and
confidently declares that he has solved the
mystery. He tells Soames and Watson that the
culprit is among the three students and
suggests conducting a private court-martial to
handle the situation discreetly.
They summon Bannister, Soames's servant, and
question him about his actions during the
incident. Bannister denies hiding anything or
having knowledge of the intruder. However,
Holmes confronts him with evidence, indicating
that he had lied. Bannister maintains his
innocence, but Holmes presses him for the
truth.
Holmes then asks Soames to bring Gilchrist to
his room. Gilchrist, visibly distressed, confesses
to entering Soames's room to copy the proofs
on the table. He explains that he saw the
papers through the window due to his height
and seized the opportunity when he saw the
key left by Bannister. He took refuge in the
bedroom and copied the proofs there. Gilchrist
admits that Bannister's actions influenced him
to come clean.
Bannister explains that he had been the butler
to Gilchrist's father, and out of loyalty and
respect for the family, he wanted to protect
Gilchrist. Seeing Gilchrist's gloves in the chair
confirmed his suspicions, and he remained in
the room to prevent Mr. Soames from
discovering them. Bannister's actions were
driven by his desire to save his former
employer's son from a disgraceful act.
Holmes commends Bannister's loyalty and
understanding. He concludes that they have
solved the case and suggests that Gilchrist
pursue a brighter future in Rhodesia. The
chapter ends with Holmes and Watson leaving
St. Luke's College to enjoy breakfast at home,
confident in their resolution of the case.
In summary, this chapter focuses on Holmes's
deductions, the questioning of Bannister and
Gilchrist, and the unraveling of the truth behind
the mysterious events at the college. It
highlights the themes of loyalty, redemption,
and the consequences of one's actions.