"The case certainly presents more features of interest and
more possibility of development than I had originally thought.
I should be none the worse for a quiet, peaceful day in the
country, and I am inclined to run down this afternoon and test
one or two theories which I have formed."
Holmes's quiet day in the country had a singular termination,
for he arrived at Baker Street late in the evening with a cut
lip and a discoloured lump upon his forehead, besides a general
air of dissipation which would have made his own person the
fitting object of a Scotland Yard investigation. He was
immensely tickled by his own adventures, and laughed heartily
as he recounted them.
"I get so little active exercise that it is always a treat,"
said he. "You are aware that I have some proficiency in the
good old British sport of boxing. Occasionally it is of
service. To-day, for example, I should have come to very
ignominious grief without it."
I begged him to tell me what had occurred.
"I found that country pub which I had already recommended to
your notice, and there I made my discreet inquiries. I was in
the bar, and a garrulous landlord was giving me all that I
wanted.
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