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.

13453    Holmes sat silently with his head thrown back and his eyes closed in an attitude which might seem listless to a stranger, but which I knew betokened the most intense absorption.

13454    'Your statement has been so explicit,' said he at last, 'that you have really left me very few questions to ask.

13455    There is one of the very utmost importance, however.

13456    Did you tell anyone that you had this special task to perform?'

13457    'No one.'

13458    'Not Miss Harrison here, for example?'

13459    'No.

13460    I had not been back to Woking between getting the order and executing the commission.'