| Holmes
had been seated for some hours in silence with his long, thin back curved over
a chemical vessel in which he was brewing a particularly malodorous product. His
head was sunk upon his breast, and he looked from my point of view like a strange,
lank bird, with dull gray plumage and a black top-knot. "So,
Watson," said he, suddenly, "you do not propose to invest in South African
securities?"
I gave a start of astonishment. Accustomed as I was
to Holmes's curious faculties, this sudden intrusion into my most intimate thoughts
was utterly inexplicable. "How
on earth do you know that?" I asked.
He wheeled round upon his stool,
with a steaming test-tube in his hand, and a gleam of amusement in his deep-set
eyes. "Now,
Watson, confess yourself utterly taken aback," said he. "I
am."
"I ought to make you sign a paper to that effect."
"Why?"
"Because in five minutes you will say that it
is all so absurdly simple." |
