the cruisers perhaps a trifle faster."

Von Bork clutched at his own throat in despair.

"There are a good many other points of detail which will, no
doubt, come to light in good time. But you have one quality
which is very rare in a German, Mr. Von Bork: you are a
sportsman and you will bear me no ill-will when you realize that
you, who have outwitted so many other people, have at last been
outwitted yourself. After all, you have done your best for your
country, and I have done my best for mine, and what could be more
natural? Besides," he added, not unkindly, as he laid his hand
upon the shoulder of the prostrate man, "it is better than to
fall before some ignoble foe. These papers are now ready,
Watson. If you will help me with our prisoner, I think that we
may get started for London at once."

It was no easy task to move Von Bork, for he was a strong and a
desperate man. Finally, holding either arm, the two friends
walked him very slowly down the garden walk which he had trod
with such proud confidence when he received the congratulations
of the famous diplomatist only a few hours before. After a
short, final struggle he was hoisted, still bound hand and foot,
into the spare seat of the little car. His precious valise was
wedged in beside him.

"I trust that you are as comfortable as circumstances permit,"
said Holmes when the final arrangements were made. "Should I be
guilty of a liberty if I lit a cigar and placed it between your
lips?"