"I think not, thank you," my companion answered.
"Well, Holmes," said Athelney Jones, "You are a man to be
humored, and we all know that you are a connoisseur of crime, but
duty is duty, and I have gone rather far in doing what you and
your friend asked me. I shall feel more at ease when we have our
story-teller here safe under lock and key. The cab still waits,
and there are two inspectors down-stairs. I am much obliged to
you both for your assistance. Of course you will be wanted at
the trial. Good-night to you."
"Good-night, gentlemen both," said Jonathan Small.
"You first, Small," remarked the wary Jones as they left the
room. "I'll take particular care that you don't club me with
your wooden leg, whatever you may have done to the gentleman at
the Andaman Isles."
"Well, and there is the end of our little drama," I remarked,
after we had set some time smoking in silence. "I fear that it
may be the last investigation in which I shall have the chance of
studying your methods. Miss Morstan has done me the honor to
accept me as a husband in prospective."
He gave a most dismal groan. "I feared as much," said he. "I
really cannot congratulate you."
I was a little hurt.
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