"He's a fine fellow," said Holmes as we came out into Whitehall."But he has a struggle to keep up his position. He is far from richand has many calls. You noticed, of that his boots had been resoled.Now, Watson, I won't detain you from your legitimate work anylonger. I shall do nothing more to-day unless I have an answer to mycab advertisement. But I should be extremely obliged to you if youwould come down with me to Woking to-morrow by the same train which wetook yesterday."

　　I met him accordingly next morning and we travelled down to Wokingtogether. He had had no answer to his advertisement, he said, and nofresh light had been thrown upon the case. He had, when he so willedit, the utter immobility of countenance of a red Indian, and I couldnot gather from his appearance whether he was satisfied or not withthe position of the case. His conversation, I remember, was aboutthe Bertillon system of measurements, and he expressed hisenthusiastic admiration of the French savant.

　　We found our client still under the charge of his devoted nurse, butlooking considerably better than before. He rose from the sofa andgreeted us without difficulty when we entered.

　　"Any news?" he asked eagerly.

　　"My report, as I expected, is a negative one," said Holmes. "Ihave seen Forbes, and I have seen your uncle, and I have set one ortwo trains of inquiry upon foot which may lead to something.""You have not lost heart, then?"

　　"By no means."

　　"God bless you for saying that!" cried Miss Harrison. "If we keepour courage and our patience the truth must come out."

　　"We have more to tell you than you have for us," said Phelps,reseating himself upon the couch.

　　"I hoped you might have something."

　　"Yes, we have had an adventure during the night, and one which mighthave proved to be a serious one." His expression grew very grave as hespoke, and a look of something akin to fear sprang up in his eyes. "Doyou know," said he, "that I begin to believe that I am the unconsciouscentre of some monstrous conspiracy, and that my life is aimed at aswell as my honour?"

　　"Ah!" cried Holmes.