The fencing match between Rathe & Holmes...

Of course, this is the first hint that something is up with Rathe and that he isn't the mild-mannered schoolmaster that he pretends to be. The clue comes when he pounds the teenaged Holmes into the ground in the demonstration fencing match in front of the other students, and arrogantly proclaims that Holmes lost the match b/c "he lacked discipline." No, you idiot. Holmes lost b/c it was a blatant mismatch between an unskilled teenager and a well-practiced adult. This unchivalrous attitude is the first tip-off that Rathe is in no way shape or form what he claims to be, as well as a hint of him being ruled by baser and more animal instincts.