Pagina 299 van 657

"Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two

of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw

that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders.

"No good news?"

"None."

"No bad?"

"No."

"Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have

had a long day."

"This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to

me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it

possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this

investigation."

"I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly.

"You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our

arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so

suddenly upon us."

"My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were

not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of

any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be

indeed happy."