The editor thought if you evolved a theory in a
month you would do well.'
'My dear sir, I do not deal with theories, but with facts. If you can
make it convenient to call here tomorrow at 8 a.m. I will give you the
full particulars early enough for the first edition. There is no sense
in taking up much time over so simple an affair as the Pegram case.
Good afternoon, sir.'
Mr. Scribbings was too much astonished to return the greeting. He left
in a speechless condition, and I saw him go up the street with his hat
still in his hand.
Sherlaw Kombs relapsed into his old lounging attitude, with his hands
clasped behind his head. The smoke came from his lips in quick puffs
at first, then at longer intervals. I saw he was coming to a
conclusion, so I said nothing.
Finally he spoke in his most dreamy manner. 'I do not wish to seem to
be rushing things at all, Whatson, but I am going out tonight on the
Scotch Express. Would you care to accompany me?'
'Bless me!' I cried, glancing at the clock, 'you haven't time, it is
after five now.'
'Ample time, Whatson--ample,' he murmured, without changing his
position. 'I give myself a minute and a half to change slippers and
dressing-gown for boots and coat, three seconds for hat, twenty-five
seconds to the street, forty-two seconds waiting for a hansom, and
then seven minutes at the terminus before the express starts.
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