Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which serves me
so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some years back, and
something on very much the same lines at Munich the year after the
Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these cases but, hullo, here is
Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! You will find an extra tumbler upon
the sideboard, and there are cigars in the box.
The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, which
gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a black canvas
bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated himself and lit the
cigar which had been offered to him.
What s up, then? asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. You look
dissatisfied.
And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage case.
I can make neither head nor tail of the business.
Really! You surprise me.
Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip
through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day.
And very wet it seems to have made you, said Holmes laying his hand
upon the arm of the pea-jacket.
Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine.
In Heaven s name, what for?
In search of the body of Lady St. Simon.
Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily.
Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain? he asked.
Why? What do you mean?
Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in the one
as in the other.
235