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?'

46498    'I could swear only to the beard.'

46499    'And so could I - from which I gather that in all probability it was a false one.

46500    A clever man upon so delicate an errand has no use for a beard save to conceal his features.

46501    Come in here, Watson!'

46502    He turned into one of the district messenger offices,?