h you can answer with more authority than anyone
else in the world, and it may make a very great difference to me. You
know Mr. Holmes and his relations with the police better than anyone
else can. Supposing that a matter were brought confidentially to his
knowledge, is it absolutely necessary that he should pass it on to the
detectives?"

"Yes, that's it," said Barker eagerly. "Is he on his own or is he
entirely in with them?"

"I really don't know that I should be justified in discussing such a
point."

"I beg--I implore that you will, Dr. Watson! I assure you that you will
be helping us--helping me greatly if you will guide us on that point."

There was such a ring of sincerity in the woman's voice that for the
instant I forgot all about her levity and was moved only to do her will.

"Mr. Holmes is an independent investigator," I said. "He is his own
master, and would act as his own judgment directed. At the same time,
he would naturally feel loyalty towards the officials who were working
on the same case, and he would not conceal from them anything which
would help them in bringing a criminal to justice. Beyond this I can
say nothing, and I would refer you to Mr. Holmes himself if you wanted
fuller information."

So saying I raised my hat and went upon my way, leaving them still
seated behind that concealing hedge. I looked back as I rounded the far
end of it, and saw that they were still talking very earnestly
together, and, as they were gazing after me, it was clear that it was
our interview that was the subject of their debate.

"I wish none of their confidences," said Holmes, when I reported to him
what had occurred. He had spent the whole afternoon at the Manor House
in consultation with his two colleagues, and returned about five with a
ravenous appetite for a high tea which I had ordered for him. "No
confidences, Watson; for they are mighty awkward if it comes to an
arrest for conspiracy and murder."

"You think it will come to that?"

He was in his most cheerful and debonair humour. "My dear Watson, when
I have exterminated that fourth egg I shall be ready to put you in
touch with the whole situation. I don't say that we have fathomed
it--far from it--but when we have traced the missing dumb-bell--"

"The dumb-bell!"

"Dear me, Watson, is it possible that you have not penetrated the fact
that the case hangs upon the missing dumb-bell? Well, well, you need
not be downcast; for between ourselves