He met the policemen near the corner and said to them:
“Two people came out of house No. 42 during my absence, didn’t they?”
“Yes; a gentleman and lady.”
Ganimard approached. Sholmes took his arm, and as they walked down the street he said:
“Monsieur Ganimard, you have had a good laugh and will no doubt forgive me for the trouble I have caused you.”
“Oh! there’s no harm done; but it was a good joke.”
“I admit that; but the best jokes have only a short life, and this one can’t last much longer.”
“I hope not.”
“This is now the seventh day, and I can remain only three days more. Then I must return to London.”
“Oh!”