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"No, thanks to my peppery temper I refused it very definitely, and sent him off with a flea in his ear I hope I have not made a false step; I was quite taken by surprise when Hurst ry You remember, my brother was last seen alive at Hurst's house--but there, I oughtn't to talk like that, and I oughtn't to pester you with my confounded affairs when you have co, you re You don't realise what an interest I take in your case"

Mr Bellingharimly "My case!" he repeated "You speak as if I were solad you findIt's ; I said interesting I view you with deep respect as the central figure of a stirring draht Do you re to you of Doctor Thorndyke?"

"Yes, of course I do"

"Well, oddly enough, Italk at his cha that I had ?"

"No Certainly not Why shouldn't you tell him? Did he remember my infernal case, as you call it?"

"Perfectly, in all its details He is quite an enthusiast, you know, and uncommonly keen to hear how the case develops"

"So aha hiht It would interest hiharate Presently he looked up, and said slowly: "I don't knohy I should It's no secret; and if it were, I hold no monopoly in it No; tell him, if you think he'd care to hear about it"

"You needn't be afraid of his talking," I said "He is as close as an oyster; and the facts ive a useful hint or two"

"Oh, I'ham said quickly and with so for free professional advice Understand that clearly, Doctor"

"I do," I answered hastily "That wasn't what Iin? I heard the front door shut"