"No, I am merely a logical student of possibilities. Answer my question."
"Your question has recalled a part of my conversation with that strange man which had really escaped my memory."
"Oh, yes, I may lead you to recall considerable."
"How fortunate it would have been had I met and employed you fifteen years ago."
"Yes, it might have been better for us both, but I may work up a clue yet, and as you will admit I start out on a very slight basis."
"You do; I called you into this case as a last resort without any idea even that you would attempt to solve the mystery."
"I shall attempt to solve it; but you have not answered my question."
"I did speak of a possibility of there appearing a claimant. His answer was that 'If there did arise a claimant who founded his claim on a basis that appeared reasonable to me, to open the letter at once.'"
"Aha! you recall that now?"
"I do."