“Or it may be that I am the owner of some unclaimed property. Such things have taken place before now.”

“They have, I admit; but I would not buoy myself up with any such fallacious expectations.”

“Oh, you don’t appear to be at all hopeful or sanguine, but at any rate I trust this active and intelligent Yankee will bring me good news of some kind.”

“You will learn all when you see him,” observed Wrench. “The case is in his hands—​not mine.”

“Case! What do you mean? What case has he in hand that can possibly concern me? I never saw the man before in my life that I am aware of. Not till you brought him here.”

“That is likely enough.”

“And has he ever seen me before?”

“I believe not.”

“Hang it, Wrench, you are most confoundedly mysterious. I wish you would be a little more communicative.”

“When will it be convenient for you to see Mr. Shearman?” said the detective, not appearing to take any notice of the doctor’s query.