Oh Voralfred, you're so close. If the target were incandescent, you'd have scorched fingers.voralfred wrote:... his pocket lint might contain horse hair is when he is in Vorkosigan Surleau.
I would guess that, during the trip, he wears a Vorkosigan House uniform, because he needs to be unmistakably recognised at first glance by the local population.voralfred wrote:But what clothes does he wear ... during the trip to Sylvy Dale ... my guess is, old civvies.
But horse hairs getting on his clothes do so mainly on the outside, thus are not hidden, but quite plainly visible.voralfred wrote:... not on the day of your quote, but on days that followed, he had horse hair lint ...
Okay, in order:
1. The salient point in question has nothing to do with fashion or with corrective tailoring. It is purely pragmatic.
2. The hidden aspect is not deliberate and it's a standard feature.
3. Though animals play a part in it, it's not the butter bugs nor any other insects or creepy-crawlies.
4. It has to do with pocket lint. Though it's possible that his footwear can occasionally be affected too, if Miles is distracted.
5. (a quote, with an additional emphasis) ... He made no move toward the mare, but instead stood still and made a great show of fishing in his pockets. Fat Ninny butted his head against Miles eagerly, and Miles cooed and fed him a bit of sugar. The mare cocked her ears with interest. Fat Ninny smacked his lips and nudged for more. The mare snuffled up for her share. She lipped a cube from Miles's palm as he slid his other arm quietly through the loop of her reins.
"Here you go, Dr. Dea. One horse. No running."
"No fair," wheezed Dea, trudging up. "You had sugar in your pockets."
"Of course I had sugar in my pockets. It's called foresight and planning. ..."
6. ... only one place where he gets up close with/rides horses. So, examine the composition of his (very little) pocket lint.
All the elements for a Holmesian deduction are in place. It's impossible to hint any more without actually divulging the answer.
