I knew my friend's habit of hasty absences from his room in his moments of deep inspiration; it was only too probable that, with his powerful intellect and magnificent perceptive genius concentrated on one subject, he should be careless of his own belongings, and no doubt even forget to take the ordinary precaution of locking up his drawers.

I tried one or two and found that I was right, although for some reason I was unable to open one to its fullest extent.

The handles were sticky, as if some one had opened them with dirty fingers.

Knowing Hemlock's fastidious cleanliness, I resolved to inform him of this circumstance, but I forgot it, alas! until--but I am anticipating my story.
His absence was strangely prolonged.

I at last seated myself by the fire, and lulled by warmth and the patter of the rain on the window, I fell asleep.