"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.