his red cravat, and his worn boots, he was a perfect sample of the class.


“I think that this should do,” said he, glancing into the glass

above the fireplace. “I only wish that you could come with me, Watson,

but I fear that it won’t do. I may be on the trail in this matter, or I

may be following a will-o’-the-wisp, but I shall soon know which it is. I

hope that I may be back in a few hours.” He cut a slice of beef from the

joint upon the sideboard, sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and

thrusting this rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition.


I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in excellent spirits,

swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his hand. He chucked it down into a

corner and helped himself to a cup of tea.


“I only looked in as I passed,” said he. “I am going right

on.”


“Where to?”


“Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time before I get

back. Don’t wait up for me in case I should be late.”


“How are you getting on?”


“Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham since I

saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a very sweet little

problem, and I would not have missed it for a good deal. However, I must not

sit gossiping here, but must get these disreputable clothes off and return to

my highly respectable self.”


I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for satisfaction than

his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, and there was even a touch of

colour upon his sallow cheeks. He hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I

heard the slam of the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon

his congenial hunt.


I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so I retired to

my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away for days and nights on end

when he was hot upon a scent, so that his lateness caused me no surprise. I do