Page 356 of 657

"That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well,

then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers

after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger.

Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a

list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just

read it out to me."

"Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road-249," read Holmes.

"Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger."

Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs.

Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'"

"Now, then, what's the last entry?"

"'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'"

"Quite so. There you are. And underneath?"

"'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'"

"What have you to say now?"