No, no, it was he.

　　"That was very wise. The matter should certainly be inquired into. Iwill go back with you to Tuxbury Old Park."

　　"To-day?"

　　It happened that at the moment I was clearing up the case which myfriend Watson has described as that of the Abbey School, in whichthe Duke of Greyminster was so deeply involved. I had also acommission from the Sultan of Turkey which called for immediateaction, as political consequences of the gravest kind might arise fromits neglect. Therefore it was not until the beginning of the nextweek, as my diary records, that I was able to start forth on mymission to Bedfordshire in company with Mr. James M. Dodd. As we droveto Euston we picked up a grave and taciturn gentleman of iron-grayaspect, with whom I had made the necessary arrangements."This is an old friend," said I to Dodd. "It is possible that hispresence may be entirely unnecessary, and, on the other hand, it maybe essential. It is not necessary at the present stage to go furtherinto the matter."

　　The narratives of Watson, have accustomed the reader, no doubt, tothe fact that I do not waste words or disclose my thoughts while acase is actually under consideration. Dodd seemed surprised, butnothing more was said, and the three of us continued our journeytogether. in the train I asked Dodd one more question which I wishedour companion to hear.

　　"You say that you saw your friend's face quite clearly at thewindow, so clearly that you are sure of his identity?"

　　"I have no doubt about it whatever. His nose was pressed against theglass. The lamplight shone full upon him."

　　"It could not have been someone resembling him?"

　　"No, no, it was he."

　　"But you say he was changed?"

　　"Only in colour. His face was- how shall I describe it?- it was of afish-belly whiteness. It was bleached."

　　"Was it equally pale all over?"

　　"I think not. It was his brow which I saw so clearly as it waspressed against the window."

　　"Did you call to him?"

　　"I was too startled and horrified for the moment. Then I pursuedhim, as I have told you, but without result."