His bright humor marked the reaction from his black depression of the preceding days.

Athelney Jones proved to be a sociable soul in his hours of relaxation, and faced his dinner with the air of a bon vivant.

For myself, I felt elated at the thought that we were nearing the end of our task, and I caught something of Holmes's gaiety.

None of us alluded during dinner to the cause which had brought us together.
When the cloth was cleared, Holmes glanced at his watch, and filled up three glasses with port.

"One bumper," said he, "to the success of our little expedition.