Holmes was evidently interested in our curious visitor, and held his
own by noting from the man's forefinger that he made his own cigarettes,
and that he should light one if he wished, which the man did, with long,
quivering fingers, as agile & restless as the antennae of an insect.
When Holmes asked him the purpose of his visit, the man replied that he
had the most serious and extraordinary problem. I was much amused by the
following exchange:
Mortimer: "Recognizing, as I do, That you are the second highest expert
in Europe - ."
Holmes: "Indeed, sir: May I inquire who has the honour to be the first?"
Mortimer: "To the man of precisely scientific mind, the work of
Monsieur Bertillon must always appeal strongly." *
Holmes:" Then had you not better consult him?"
