'Is Mr. Sherlock Holmes here?' the man asked

My friend bowed and smiled. 'And you are Mr. Sandeford, from Reading, I suppose?' he said.

Yes Sir, I am sorry that I am a bit late. There was some difficulty with the trains. You wrote to me about a bust that I have. I have got your letter here. You said, `I would like to have a copy of Devine's Napoleon, and am prepared to pay you ten pounds for the one which is in your possession.' I was very surprised by your letter, because I have no idea how you know that I own one of these busts.

'Of course you must have been surprised' Holmes said, 'but the explanation is very simple. Mr. Harding, of Harding Brothers, said that they had sold you their last bust, and he told me your address.'

Mr Sandeford said 'Well, I am an honest man, even if I am not a very rich one. I only paid fifteen shillings for the bust, and I think you ought to know that before I take ten pounds from you.

'Your honesty shows that you are an honourable man, Mr. Sandeford. But I said ten pounds, so I intend to pay you ten pounds.'