Very gray and stern did Mr. Thornton look, as he passed out through his wondering clerks. He was away about half an hour; and scarcely less stern did he look when he returned, although his errand had been successful.
He wrote two lines on a slip of paper, put it in an envelope, and sealed it up. This he gave to one of the clerks, saying:--
"I appointed Watson--he who was a packer in the warehouse, and who went into the police--to call on me at four o'clock. I have just met a gentleman from Liverpool who wishes to see me before he leaves town. Take care to give this note to Watson when he calls."
The note contained these words:

Very grey and stern did Mr. Thornton look, as he passed out through his wondering clerks. He was away about half an hour; and scarcely less stern did he look when he returned, although his errand had been successful.
He wrote two lines on a slip of paper, put it in an envelope, and sealed it up. This he gave to one of the clerks, saying:
'I asked Watson - he who was a packer in the warehouse, and who went into the police - to call on me at four o'clock. But I need to see a gentleman from Liverpool before he leaves town. Give this note to Watson when he calls.'
The note contained these words:
