I have made a special study of cigar ashes--in fact, I have written a monograph upon the subject.

I flatter myself that I can distinguish at a glance the ash of any known brand, either of cigar or of tobacco.

It is just in such details that the skilled detective differs from the Gregson and Lestrade type." "And the florid face ?" I asked.
"Ah, that was a more daring shot, though I have no doubt that I was right.

You must not ask me that at the present state of the affair." I passed my hand over my brow.

"My head is in a whirl," I remarked; "the more one thinks of it the more mysterious it grows.