Page:The Sign of Four.pdf/110

Rh the house seems to be as full as a rabbit-warren!'

'I think you must recollect me, Mr. Athelney Jones,' said Holmes quietly.

'Why, of course I do!' he wheezed. 'It's Mr. Sherlock Holmes, the theorist. Remember you! I'll never forget how you lectured us all on causes and inferences and effects in the Bishopgate jewel case. It's true you set us on the right track; but you'll own now that it was more by good luck than good guidance.'

'It was a piece of very simple reasoning.'

'Oh, come, now, come! Never be ashamed to own up. But what is all this? Bad business! Bad business! Stern facts here—no room for theories. How lucky that I happened to be out at Norwood over another case! I was at the station when the message arrived. What d'you think the man died of?'