They went out to search for horse and trainer. About a quarter of a mile from the stables they found the dead body of the unlucky Straker. His head had been beaten in by some heavy weapon, and there was a wound in his leg from something sharp. Clearly Straker had fought back, for there was' a small knife, covered in blood, in his right hand. In his left hand was a handkerchief. Both the cook and Ned are sure the handkerchief belonged to the stranger. Ned also believes that the stranger secretly put some opium into his curry to make him sleep. These, Watson, are the main facts.'