I should become the laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "All right," said Holmes quietly.

"I have given you the chance.
Here are your lodgings.

Good-bye.

I shall drop you a line before I leave." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where we found lunch upon the table.

Holmes was silent and buried in thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds himself in a perplexing position.
"Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little.