A Study in Scarlet (Serial Edition Cover) — page 84: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

76 A STUDY IN SCARLET. “What is your theory, then P” “Well, my theory is that he followed Drebber as far as the Brixton Road. When there, a fresh altercation arose between them, in the course of which Drebber received a blow from the stick, in the pit of the stomach, perhaps, which killed him without leaving any mark. The night was so wet that no one was about, so Char- pentier dragged the body of his victim into the empty house. As to the candle, and the blood, and the writ- ing on the wall, and the ring, they may all be so many tricks to throw the police on to the wrong scent.” “Well done!” said Holmes, in an encouraging voice. “Really, Gregson, you are getting along. We shall make something of you yet.” “T flatter myself that I have managed it rather neatly,” the detective answered, proudly. ‘‘The young man volunteered a statement, in which he said that after following Drebber for some time, the latter perceived | him, and took a cab in order to get away from him. On his way home he met an old shipmate, and took a long walk with him. On being asked where his old shipmate lived, he was unable to give any satisfactory reply. I think the whole case fits together uncommonly well. What amuses me is to think of Lestrade, who had started off upon the wrong scent. I am afraid he won’t make much of it. Why, by Jove, here’s the very man himself!” It was indeed Lestrade, who had ascended the stairs while we were talking, and who now entered the room. The assurance and jauntiness which generally marked his demeanor and dress were, however, wanting. His Gomicbooks.¢