“For four years I had seen nothing of him until one morning he walked into my room in Montague Street. He had changed little, was dressed like a young man of fashion⁠—he was always a bit of a dandy⁠—and preserved the same quiet, suave manner which had formerly distinguished him.

“ ‘How has all gone with you Musgrave?’ I asked, after we had cordially shaken hands.

“ ‘You probably heard of my poor father’s death,’ said he; ‘he was carried off about two years ago. Since then I have of course had the Hurlstone estates to manage, and as I am member for my district as well, my life has been a busy one. But I understand, Holmes, that you are turning to practical ends those powers with which you used to amaze us?’

“ ‘Yes,’ said I, ‘I have taken to living by my wits.’