"Remarkable!" "You don't seem surprised." "Interested, Mr.Mac, but hardly surprised.

Why should I be surprised?
I receive an anonymous communication from a quarter which I know to be important, warning me that danger threatens a certain person.

Within an hour I learn that this danger has actually materialized and that the person is dead.

I am interested; but, as you observe, I am not surprised." In a few short sentences he explained to the inspector the facts about the letter and the cipher.

MacDonald sat with his chin on his hands and his great sandy eyebrows bunched into a yellow tangle.
"I was going down to Birlstone this morning," said he.