I do not consider that it
is hopeless to arrive at the truth."
"But this cyclist. He is not an invention. We have his
description, his valise, his bicycle. The fellow must be
somewhere. Why should we not get him?"
"Yes, yes, no doubt he is somewhere, and no doubt we shall get
him; but I would not have you waste your energies in East Ham or
Liverpool. I am sure that we can find some shorter cut to a
result."
"You are holding something back. It's hardly fair of you, Mr.
Holmes." The inspector was annoyed.
"You know my methods of work, Mr. Mac. But I will hold it back
for the shortest time possible. I only wish to verify my details
in one way, which can very readily be done, and then I make my
bow and return to London, leaving my results entirely at your
service. I owe you too much to act otherwise; for in all my
experience I cannot recall any more singular and interesting
study."
"This is clean beyond me, Mr. Holmes. We saw you when we
returned from Tunbridge Wells last night, and you were in general
agreement with our results. What has happened since then to give
you a completely new idea of the case?"
"Well, since you ask me, I spent, as I told you that I would,
some hours last night at the Manor House.
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