"No, that would have scattered them more. They were round, and might have fallen over after having been put one upon another as one gathers coppers together when counting a number of them. Sir Joseph picked them up and put them on the writing-table while he was talking to me." "Did that strike you as significant?" asked Quarles. "I cannot say it did. The floor was covered with things, and I fancy they happened to be in his way, that was all." "They are significant, Wigan, but I cannot see yet in which direction they lead us. We must wait; for the moment there is nothing to be done." I had become so accustomed to Quarles jumping to some sudden conclusion that I was disappointed. I think I was prepared to find him a failure in this case. Naturally I was not idle during the next few days, but at the end of them I had learnt nothing. Then the unexpected happened. On consecutive nights two doctors' houses were burgled. The first was in Kensington. Dr. Wheatley had taken some part in local politics which had made him unpopular with certain people, and he was inclined to consider the burglary one of revenge rather than intended robbery. Nothing had been stolen, but everything in his room was in disorder, and a small and unique inlaid cabinet with a secret spring lock had been smashed to pieces. Several cigarette-ends were on the floor. The second was at Dr. Wood's in Ebury Street, an eminent surgeon, and the author of one or two textbooks. He had several cabinets in his room containing specimens, and everything had been turned on to the floor and damaged more or less. In fact, although nothing had been taken, the damage was considerable. On the night of the burglary Dr. Wood was away from home, only servants being in the house. The cook, suffering from faceache, had been restless all night, but had heard nothing. It seemed, however, that the burglar must have heard her moving about and had been prepared to defend himself, for a revolver, loaded in every chamber, was found on one of the cabinets. Apparently, having put it ready for use, he had forgotten to take it away. The doctor was furious at the wanton destruction of his specimens, and, being irascible and suspicious, fancied the revolver was merely a blind and that the culprit was some jealous medical man. Again there were cigarette-ends among the debris. As soon as possible I went to Quarles and was shown into the empty room. "The unexpected has happened," I said. "No, no; the expected," he said impatiently, and he pointed to a heap of newspapers. "I've read every report, but tell me yourself--every detail." I did so. "The same brand of cigarettes?" he asked. "No, but all cheap American ones." "One man trying to give the impression that he is several. You still think that? Nothing has happened to make you change that opinion?" "No, I hold to the one man theory."