第532页 / 共657页

"It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held

information in his hands the value of which he did not himself

know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance,

but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had

settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels."

"How did you deduce the select?"

"By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence

for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive

hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate.

In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I

learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an

American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking

over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I

had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded

to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate

enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them

some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be

better in every way that they should make their position a little

clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in

particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I

made him keep the appointment."