At length he turned towards us, wiping his eyes, and inquired our business.
"Mr.Stephen Blackmore," said Thorndyke, "has given me permission to look over his chambers.

He said that he would mention the matter to you." "So he has, sir," said the porter; "but he has just taken the key himself to go to the chambers.

If you walk across the Inn you'll find him there; it's on the farther side; number thirty-one, second floor." We made our way across to the house indicated, the ground floor of which was occupied by a solicitor's offices and was distinguished by a good-sized brass plate.

Although it had now been dark some time there was no light on the lower stairs, but we encountered on the first-floor landing a man who had just lit the lamp there.

Thorndyke halted to address him.
"Can you tell me who occupies the chambers on the third floor ?" "The third floor has been empty about three months," was the reply.
"We are going up to look at the chambers on the second floor," said Thorndyke.