etween lawyers and
scientific witnesses; neither can understand the point of view of the
other. But we must not sit over the table chattering like this; it has
gone half-past seven, and Polton will be wanting to make this room
presentable."

"I notice you don't use your office much," I remarked.

"Hardly at all, excepting as a repository for documents and stationery.
It is very cheerless to talk in an office, and nearly all my business is
transacted with solicitors and counsel who are known to me, so there is
no need for such formalities. All right, Polton; we shall be ready for
you in five minutes."

The Temple bell was striking eight as, at Thorndyke's request, I threw
open the iron-bound "oak"; and even as I did so the sound of footsteps
came up from the stairs below. I waited on the landing for our two
visitors, and led them into the room.

"I am so glad to make your acquaintance," said Mrs. Hornby, when I had
done the honours of introduction; "I have heard so much about you from
Juliet--"

"Really, my dear aunt," protested Miss Gibson, as she caught my eye with
a look of comical alarm, "you will give Dr. Thorndyke a most erroneous
impression. I merely mentioned that I had intruded on him without notice
and had been received with undeserved indulgence and consideration."

"You didn't put it quite in that way, my dear," said Mrs. Hornby, "but I
suppose it doesn't matter."

"We are highly gratified by Miss Gibson's favourable report of us,
whatever may have been the actual form of expression," said Thorndyke,
with a momentary glance at the younger lady which covered her with
smiling confusion, "and we are deeply indebted to you for taking so much
trouble to help us."

"It is no trouble at all, but a great pleasure," replied Mrs. Hornby;
and she proceeded to enlarge on the matter until her remarks threatened,
like the rippling circles produced by a falling stone, to spread out
into infinity. In the midst of this discourse Thorndyke placed chairs
for the two ladies, and, leaning against the mantelpiece, fixed a stony
gaze upon the small handbag that hung from Mrs. Hornby's wrist.

"Is the 'Thumbograph' in your bag?" interrupted Miss Gibson, in response
to this mute appeal.

"Of course it is, my dear Juliet," replied the elder lady. "You saw me
put it in yourself. What an odd girl you are. Did you think I should
have taken it out and put it somewhere else? Not that these handbags are
really very secure, you