This is no time for despair." "I have seen the police." "Ah!" "But they listened to my story with a smile.

I am convinced that the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with the warnings." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air.

"Incredible imbecility!" he cried.
"They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in the house with me." "Has he come with you to-night ?" "No.

His orders were to stay in the house." Again Holmes raved in the air.
"Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you not come at once ?" "I did not know.

It was only to-day that I spoke to Major Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to you." "It is really two days since you had the letter.