The Police Case and Inspector Holmes

Inspector Holmes arrives as an ineffective investigator, then receives evidence that may let him pursue the separate McCarthy case.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Difficult Assignment

A Difficult Assignment A case with few leads Inspector Holmes investigates George’s death but quickly finds that the village’s rumors and evasions offer little certainty. He doubts his ability to solve the case. A name that weighs on him Holmes’s reputation and frustration make him expect failure. The sheep’s behavior may be more revealing than the official inquiry, though he does not yet recognize their intentions.

The Family Theory

The Family Theory A familiar suspect pattern Holmes first considers the heirs and their possible motives. Rebecca’s arrival and the terms of the will make family suspicion seem convenient. An easy arrest avoided The evidence does not clearly support his theory, and Holmes remains unable to turn suspicion into proof. His uncertainty parallels the sheep’s eagerness to reach a conclusion.

At the Sheep Contest

At the Sheep Contest An observer off duty Holmes attends the contest with little expectation that it will help the investigation. He watches the flock enter the hall and then stage George’s death. A case that explains itself The performance and Beth’s testimony supply an account he had not discovered. Holmes recognizes the broad truth while remaining unable to understand the human motive fully.

Suicide and the Spade

Suicide and the Spade A revised conclusion Holmes concludes that George died by suicide and that Beth staged the body with the spade. The explanation fits the public evidence better than his earlier family theory. Understanding remains incomplete He acknowledges that he cannot fully understand why George made that choice. Solving the immediate facts does not resolve the emotional mystery.

A Cassette for a New Case

A Cassette for a New Case Evidence appears on the table A discreet visitor leaves Holmes a videocassette concerning Weasel McCarthy. The gift offers him a chance to pursue a separate, more concrete investigation. A possible new beginning Holmes considers leaving his frustrating routine and taking the case seriously. The recording’s arrival changes the future he imagined for himself as much as the case file.

Soon after George Glenn’s body is found

During Holmes’s early investigation

During the contest at The Mad Boar

After Beth’s testimony

After the contest performance