'How long have you been ferreting out this matter?'
'Several weeks.'
'Have you worked in secret, or openly?' inquired Holmes.
'I kept the matter as quiet as I could,' replied Harson, 'because I didn't want him to get wind of it, and place obstacles in my way; for I supposed that he was the man; but still, I was obliged to employ several persons, of whom I know little.'
'Then this Rust is the man, you may rely on it,' said Holmes, in a positive manner. 'He has discovered that you are busy, and is startled at it. Depend on it, this wish to see you has something to do with your present movements.'
'I thought so too,' said Harson, 'and shall go there this morning.'
'I'll go too,' said Holmes; 'and the sooner we start the better.'
'Thank you, thank you,' said Harson, stretching out his hand; 'the very thing I wanted.'
The old lawyer said no more; but after fumbling about his room for his hat and great-coat, and having succeeded, without any great difficulty, in putting on the last, (for he had no idea how shrunken and attenuated he was, and it was large enough for a man of double his size,) and supported by Harry's steady arm, they set out.
'Stop a minute,' said Harson; 'we've shut Spite in. There'll be the deuce to pay if we leave him. Come, pup.' He opened the door; and Spite having leisurely obeyed his call, they resumed their walk.