46485 'My dear Watson, clumsy as I have been, you surely do not seriously imagine that I neglected to get the number?
46486 2704 is our man.
46487 But that is no use to us for the moment.'
46488 'I fail to see how you could have done more.'
46489 'On observing the cab I should have instantly turned and walked in the other direction.
46490 I should then at my leisure have hired a second cab and followed the first at a respectful distance, or, better still, have driven to the Northumberland Hotel and waited there.
46491 When our unknown had followed Baskerville home we should have had the opportunity of playing his own game upon himself, and seeing where he made for.
46492 As it is, by an indiscreet eagerness, which was taken advantage of with extraordinary quickness and energy by our opponent, we have betrayed ourselves and lost our man.'
46493 We had been sauntering slowly down Regent Street during this conversation, and Dr Mortimer, with his companion, had long vanished in front of us.
46494 'There is no object in our following them,' said Holmes.
46495 'The shadow has departed and will not return.
46496 We must see what further cards we have in our hands, and play them with decision.
46497 Could you swear to that man's face, within the cab?'