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a form of 'compensation.' Observe that word, for it is the great hole in their logic. Their idea is that So-and-so does not murder his grandmother, but he does twiddle his thumbs. They will tell you, consequently, that twiddling your thumbs is a kind of compensation for not murdering your grandmother. But the whole strength of their case should rest on their ability to prove a connection between the two things, and instead of proving it you will find that they steadily assume it. However, as I was saying⁠—the peculiarity of van Beuren's special chewing-gum is this: that it can be drawn out to an almost indefinite length, and forms a thread of almost invisible fineness. If you stretch such threads, say, between one chair and another all over a room, as I did round your room, Reeves, last night, the great probability is that a casual visitor will walk into it and carry whole strands of it away with him, without noticing anything peculiar."

"What!" said Reeves, "you mean like Sherlock Holmes and the cigarette-ash on the carpet?"

"It was not one of Holmes' more original performances. He had been anticipated, in point of fact, by the prophet Daniel. You should read the story of Bel and the Dragon, Reeves."

"And now," said Gordon, "I suppose we proceed to the station, and take a good look at the trouser-ends of all our club-fellows as they wait for the London train?"

"Why, no. I do not think that method would be