13438    It was evident to all that I was in for a long illness, so Joseph was bundled out of this cheery bedroom, and it was turned into a sickroom for me.

13439    Here I have lain, Mr. Holmes, for over nine weeks, unconscious, and raving with brain fever.

13440    If it had not been for Miss Harrison here and for the doctor's care I should not be speaking to you now.

13441    She has nursed me by day, and a hired nurse has looked after me by night, for in my mad fits I was capable of anything.

13442    Slowly my reason has cleared, but it is only during the last three days that my memory has quite returned.

13443    Sometimes I wish that it never had.

13444    The first thing I did was to wire to Mr. Forbes, who had the case in hand.

13445    He came out and assured me that, though everything has been done, no trace of a clue has been discovered.

13446    The commissionaire and his wife have been examined in every way without any light being thrown upon the matter.

13447    The suspicions of the police then rested upon young Gorot, who, as you may remember, stayed overtime in the office that night.

13448    His remaining behind and his French name were really the only two points which could suggest suspicion; but as a matter of fact, I did not begin work until he had gone, and his people are of Huguenot extraction, but as English in sympathy and tradition as you and I are.

13449    Nothing was found to implicate him in any way, and there the matter dropped.

13450    I turn to you, Mr. Holmes, as absolutely my last hope.

13451    If you fail me, then my honour as well as my position are for ever forfeited.'

13452    The invalid sank back upon his cushions, tired out by this long recital, while his nurse poured him out a glass of some stimulating medicine.