55676    You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique things are very often connected not with the larger but with the smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for doubt whether any positive crime has been committed.

55677    As far as I have heard, it is impossible for me to say whether the present case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to.

55678    Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to recommence your narrative.

55679    I ask you not merely because my friend Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part, but also because the peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every possible detail from your lips.

55680    As a rule, when I have heard some slight indication of the course of events I am able to guide myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my memory.

55681    In the present instance I am forced to admit that the facts are, to the best of my belief, unique.'

55682    The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some little pride, and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the inside pocket of his great-coat.

55683    As he glanced down the advertisement column, with his head thrust forward, and the paper flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man, and endeavoured after the fashion of my companion to read the indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance.

55684    I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection.

55685    Our visitor bore every mark of being an average commonplace British tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow.

55686    He wore rather baggy grey shepherds' check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as an ornament.

55687    A frayed top-hat, and a faded brown overcoat with a wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him.

55688    Altogether, look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and discontent upon his features.

55689    Sherlock Holmes's quick eye took in my occupation and he shook his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances.

55690    'Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of writing lately, I can deduce nothing else.'