“Then that is agreed,” said Holmes, “and no doubt you will let me have a report as soon as you can.”

“I’ll see to that,” said the American. “Well,” he added looking at his watch, “I’ll have to get on. I’ll call tomorrow, Mr. Nathan, and see you off to Birmingham. Coming my way, Mr. Holmes? Well, then, goodbye, and we may have good news for you tomorrow night.”

I noticed that my friend’s face cleared when the American left the room, and the look of thoughtful perplexity had vanished.

“I wish I could look over your collection, Mr. Garrideb,” said he. “In my profession all sorts of odd knowledge comes useful, and this room of yours is a storehouse of it.”

Our client shone with pleasure and his eyes gleamed from behind his big glasses.