He had evidently come with the intention of consulting with Sherlock Holmes, for on perceiving his colleague he appeared to be embarrassed and put out.

He stood in the centre of the room, fumbling nervously with his hat and uncertain what to do.

"This is a most extraordinary case," he said at last--"a most incomprehensible affair." "Ah, you find it so, Mr.Lestrade!" cried Gregson, triumphantly.

"I thought you would come to that conclusion.

Have you managed to find the Secretary, Mr.Joseph Stangerson ?" "The Secretary, Mr.Joseph Stangerson," said Lestrade gravely, "was murdered at Halliday's Private Hotel about six o'clock this morning.".