Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom of the matter
first. He gathered up the garments, thrust them into the bag, and made
for the door.
Just one hint to you, Lestrade, drawled Holmes before his rival
vanished; I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady St.
Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any such
person.
Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, tapped his
forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and hurried away.
He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on his
overcoat. There is something in what the fellow says about outdoor
work, he remarked, so I think, Watson, that I must leave you to your
papers for a little.
It was after five o clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had no
time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a confectioner s
man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked with the help of a
youth whom he had brought with him, and presently, to my very great
astonishment, a quite epicurean little cold supper began to be laid out
upon our humble lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of
cold woodcock, a pheasant, a _pate de foie gras_ pie with a group of
ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, my
two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian Nights, with
no explanation save that the things had been paid for and were ordered
to this address.
Just before nine o clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the room.
His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his eye which
made me think that he had not been disappointed in his conclusions.
They have laid the supper, then, he said, rubbing his hands.
You seem to expect company. They have laid for five.
Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in, said he. I am
surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I fancy that
I hear his step now upon the stairs.
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