On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have gained on every subject which comes under the letter A.You have lost nothing by them." "No, sir.

But I want to find out about them, and who they are, and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a prank--upon me.

It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it cost them two and thirty pounds." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you.

And, first, one or two questions, Mr.Wilson.This assistant of yours who first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he been with you ?" "About a month then." "How did he come ?" "In answer to an advertisement." "Was he the only applicant ?" "No, I had a dozen." "Why did you pick him ?" "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "At half-wages, in fact." "Yes." "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding ?" "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, though he's not short of thirty.

Has a white splash of acid upon his forehead." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement.