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"It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one,

Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself

absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are

tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant."

"Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since

the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has

completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable

time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar

experiences."

Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded

expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat

opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story

which our visitor detailed to us.