Jot down the words, Watson! Number thirteen is 'Mahratta.' Not, I fear, a very auspicious beginning.

Number one hundred and twenty-seven is 'Government'; which at least makes sense, though somewhat irrelevant to ourselves and Professor Moriarty.

Now let us try again.

What does the Mahratta government do?
Alas! the next word is 'pig's-bristles.' We are undone, my good Watson! It is finished!" He had spoken in jesting vein, but the twitching of his bushy eyebrows bespoke his disappointment and irritation.

I sat helpless and unhappy, staring into the fire.