We sat in silence for a moment.

'Well', said Lestrade, 'I've seen you handle a good many cases, Mr. Holmes. But I think that I have never seen a more neat and precise job than that. We're not jealous of you at Scotland Yard. No Sir, we are very proud of you. If you come to visit us tomorrow, everyone - from the oldest inspector to the youngest constable - would be glad to shake your hand.'

'Thank you!' said Holmes. 'Thank you!' He turned away, and it seemed to me that he came as close to showing real human emotion as I have ever seen him do. Then, a moment later, he was a cold and practical thinker again. 'Put the pearl in the safe, Watson', he said, 'and get out the papers of the Conk-Singleton forgery case. Good-bye, Lestrade. If you have any other any little problems I shall be happy, if I can, to give you a bit of help in finding the answer.'

THE END