"Yes, I am all that, Mr.Holmes, and in addition I am the most unfortunate man at this moment in London.For Heaven's sake don't abandon me, Mr.Holmes! If they come to arrest me before I have finished my story, make them give me time so that I may tell you the whole truth.I could go to gaol happy if I knew that you were working for me outside.""Arrest you!" said Holmes."This is really most grati -- most interesting.On what charge do you expect to be arrested?""Upon the charge of murdering Mr.Jonas Oldacre, of Lower Norwood."My companion's expressive face showed a sympathy which was not, I am afraid, entirely unmixed with satisfaction.
"Dear me," said he; "it was only this moment at breakfast that I was saying to my friend, Dr.Watson, that sensational cases had disappeared out of our papers."Our visitor stretched forward a quivering hand and picked up the DAILY TELEGRAPH, which still lay upon Holmes's knee.
"If you had looked at it, sir, you would have seen at a glance what the errand is on which I have come to you this morning.
I feel as if my name and my misfortune must be in every man's mouth." He turned it over to expose the central page."Here it is, and with your permission I will read it to you.Listen to this, Mr.Holmes.The head-lines are: `Mysterious Affair at Lower Norwood.Disappearance of a Well-known Builder.Suspicion of Murder and Arson.A Clue to the Criminal.' That is the clue which they are already following, Mr.Holmes, and I know that it leads infallibly to me.I have been followed from London Bridge Station, and I am sure that they are only waiting for the warrant to arrest me.It will break my mother's heart -- it will break her heart!" He wrung his hands in an agony of apprehension, and swayed backwards and forwards in his chair.