"
"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.
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