第329页 / 共657页

"What, then, did Peterson do?"

"He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning,

knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me.

The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs

that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it

should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried

it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose,

while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who

lost his Christmas dinner."

"Did he not advertise?"

"No."

"Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?"

"Only as much as we can deduce."

"From his hat?"

"Precisely."

"But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered

felt?"

"Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather

yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this

article?"