However, Lestrade was anxious to get his man safely locked away. Within a few minutes our cab had been summoned and we were all upon our way to central London. Our captive did not say a word, but glared at us from the shadow of his matted hair. Once, when my hand seemed within his reach, he snapped at it with his teeth like a hungry wolf. At the police-station we learned that a search of the prisoner's clothing revealed nothing save a few shillings and a long knife, the handle of which held copious signs of recent blood.

'That's all right', said Lestrade, as we departed. 'Hill knows all these gentry, and he will discover his name. You'll find that my theory of the Mafia will be correct. I'm sure I am exceedingly obliged to you, Mr. Holmes, for the efficient way in which you allowed us to capture him. I don't quite understand it all yet.'

'I fear it is rather too late in the evening for me to explain now', said Holmes. 'Besides, there are one or two parts of the case which are not yet finished, and this is one of those cases which are worth working on to the very end. Come round to my rooms again at six o'clock to-morrow. I think I shall be able to show you that, even now, you have not understood everything that is happening. The whole affair has some parts to it which make it absolutely original in the history of crime. If I ever permit you to chronicle any more of my little problems, Watson, I think that you will brighten up your pages by the remarkable adventure of the Napoleonic busts.'