the truth now, Holmes, and you can die with the knowledge that I
killed you. You knew too much of the fate of Victor Savage, so I
have sent you to share it. You are very near your end, Holmes.
I will sit here and I will watch you die."

Holmes's voice had sunk to an almost inaudible whisper.

"What is that?" said Smith. "Turn up the gas? Ah, the shadows
begin to fall, do they? Yes, I will turn it up, that I may see
you the better." He crossed the room and the light suddenly
brightened. "Is there any other little service that I can do
you, my friend?"

"A match and a cigarette."

I nearly called out in my joy and my amazement. He was speaking
in his natural voice--a little weak, perhaps, but the very voice
I knew. There was a long pause, and I felt that Culverton Smith
was standing in silent amazement looking down at his companion.

"What's the meaning of this?" I heard him say at last in a dry,
rasping tone.

"The best way of successfully acting a part is to be it," said
Holmes. "I give you my word that for three days I have tasted
neither food nor drink until you were good enough to pour me out
that glass of water. But it is the tobacco which I find most
irksome. Ah, here ARE some cigarettes." I heard the striking of
a match. "That is very much better. Halloa! halloa! Do I hear
the step of a friend?"