'Who said that?'
'The owner of The Alpha.'
:Ah, yes. He had twenty-four of my geese two days before
Christmas.'
'They were very good birds too. Where did you get
them?'
'I know,' said Holmes. 'But who asked you all those
questions before? Not me. I had nothing to do with that,
you know. But now I need your help. We ate a goose at
The Alpha, and I say it was a country goose, but my good
friend, Dr Watson here, says it was a London goose.
Which of us is right? It's an important question. Five
pounds goes to the winner.'
'Well then, you lose and your friend is the winner,' said
Breckinridge. 'That goose came from London.'
'I can't believe that,' said Holmes.
:A pound says I'm right.'
'Very well,' said Holmes, and he took out a pound. 'I'm
ready to pay. But I know you're going to lose your
money.'
Breckinridge laughed. 'Bring me the books, Bill,' he
said. The boy brought two books to him.
Breckinridge opened the little one. 'This is my address