interest which he took in our curious companion. "I presume, sir,"
said he at last, "that it was not merely for the purpose of
examining my skull that you have done me the honour to call here
last night and again today?"

"No, sir, no; though I am happy to have had the opportunity of
doing that as well. I came to you, Mr. Holmes, because I recognized
that I am myself an unpractical man and because I am suddenly
confronted with a most serious and extraordinary problem.
Recognizing, as I do, that you are the second highest expert in
Europe--"

"Indeed, sir! May I inquire who has the honour to be the first?"
asked Holmes with some asperity.

"To the man of precisely scientific mind the work of Monsieur
Bertillon must always appeal strongly."

"Then had you not better consult him?"

"I said, sir, to the precisely scientific mind. But as a practical
man of affairs it is acknowledged that you stand alone. I trust,
sir, that I have not inadvertently--"

"Just a little," said Holmes. "I think, Dr. Mortimer, you would
do wisely if without more ado you would kindly tell me plainly
what the exact nature of the problem is in which you demand my
assistance."