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"Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police;

but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing

evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they

believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I

have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and,

even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so

vague that it is a question whether justice will be done."

"Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem

which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you

to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the

official police."

"Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I

should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of

course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me

an introduction to him?"

"I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself."

"I should be immensely obliged to you."