Herling, and see if even now you may not fill that place which he
has reserved for you in the ambassadorial suite. As to you,
Watson, you are joining us with your old service, as I
understand, so London won't be out of your way. Stand with me
here upon the terrace, for it may be the last quiet talk that we
shall ever have."

The two friends chatted in intimate converse for a few minutes,
recalling once again the days of the past, while their prisoner
vainly wriggled to undo the bonds that held him. As they turned
to the car Holmes pointed back to the moonlit sea and shook a
thoughtful head.

"There's an east wind coming, Watson."

"I think not, Holmes. It is very warm."

"Good old Watson! You are the one fixed point in a changing age.
There's an east wind coming all the same, such a wind as never
blew on England yet. It will be cold and bitter, Watson, and a
good many of us may wither before its blast. But it's God's own
wind none the less, and a cleaner, better, stronger land will lie
in the sunshine when the storm has cleared. Start her up,
Watson, for it's time that we were on our way. I have a check
for five hundred pounds which should be cashed early, for the
drawer is quite capable of stopping it if he can."