In Quest of a Solution It was half-past five before Holmes returned.

He was bright, eager, and in excellent spirits,--a mood which in his case alternated with fits of the blackest depression.
"There is no great mystery in this matter," he said, taking the cup of tea which I had poured out for him.

"The facts appear to admit of only one explanation." "What! you have solved it already ?" "Well, that would be too much to say.

I have discovered a suggestive fact, that is all.

It is, however, VERY suggestive.