afterwards we became stanch friends; for he was a good fellow, and was
driven to his desperate deed only by the demands of his creditors, and the
following Christmas he sent me the watch I had given him, with the best
wishes of the season.

"So, you see, gentlemen, in a moment, by quick wit and a mental
concentration of no mean order, combined with strict observance of the
pettiest details, I ferreted out what bade fair to become a great diamond
mystery; and when I say that this cigar end proves certain things to my
mind, it does not become you to doubt the value of my conclusions."

"Hear! hear!" cried Raleigh, growing tumultuous with enthusiasm.

"Your name? your name?" came from all parts of the wharf.

The stranger, putting his hand into the folds of his coat, drew forth a
bundle of business cards, which he tossed, as the prestidigitator tosses
playing-cards, out among the audience, and on each of them was found
printed the words:

---------------------------
| SHERLOCK HOLMES, |
| DETECTIVE. |
| |
| FERRETING DONE HERE. |
| |
| _Plots for Sale._ |
---------------------------

"I think he made a mistake in not taking the £200 for the watch. Such