"Just time to get a message through to Whitby, and perhaps a reply." He wrote a telegram to Hume: "Where is Fergusson?
I want to see him." "What has Fergusson got to do with the business ?" asked the detective.
"Probably nothing.

But he is the oldest available repository of the family secrets.

His master has told him to be explicit with me.

By questioning him, I may solve the riddle presented by Mr.Ooma.Does the name suggest nothing to you, Winter ?" "It has a Japanese ring about it." "Nothing Scotch?
Isn't it like Hume, for instance ?" "By Jove! I never thought of that.

Well, there, I give in.