It was a small room, so that the
window, over which a linen blind was drawn, occupied nearly the whole
of one wall. As Dr. Stuart, having examined the cut on my scalp,
descended to the dispensary for lint, the habits of a lifetime asserted
themselves.
I quickly switched off the light and peeped out of the window around
the edge of the blind, which I drew slightly aside. In the shadow of
the wall upon the opposite side of the narrow lane a man was standing!
I turned on the light again. The watcher should not be disappointed!
My skull being dressed, I broached the subject of the letter, which I
said I had found in my cab after the accident which had caused the
injury.
"Someone left this behind to-day, sir," I said; "perhaps the gentleman
who was with me when I had the accident; and I've got no means of
tracing him. He may be able to trace _me_, though, or he may advertise.
It evidently contains something valuable. I wonder if you would do me
a small favour? Would you mind taking charge of it for a week or so,
until it is claimed?"
He asked me why I did not take it to Scotland Yard.
"Because," said I, "if the owner claims it from Scotland Yard he is
less likely to be generous than if he gets it direct from me!"
"But what is the point," asked Dr. Stuart, "in leaving it here?"
I explained that if _I_ kept the letter I might be suspected of an
intention of stealing it, whereas directly there was any inquiry, he
could certify that I had left it in his charge.
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