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contracted it。 His people would be placed in a very dreadful position；
since they would desire to save him from segregation。 Great secrecy
would be needed to prevent rumours from getting about and subsequent
interference by the authorities。 A devoted medical man； if
sufficiently paid； would easily be found to take chance of the
sufferer。 There would be no reason why the latter should not he
allowed freedom after dark。 Bleaching of the skin is a common result
of the disease。 The case was a strong one… so strong that I determined
to act as if it were actually proved。 When on arriving here I
noticed that Ralph； who carries out the meals； had gloves which are
impregnated with disinfectants； my last doubts were removed。 A
single word showed you； sir； that your secret was discovered； and if I
wrote rather than said it； it was to prove to you that my discretion
was to be trusted。〃
I was finishing this little analysis of the case when the door was
opened and the austere figure of the great dermatologist was ushered
in。 But for once his sphinx…like features had relaxed and there was
a warm humanity in his eyes。 He strode up to Colonel Emsworth and
shook him by the hand。
〃It is often my lot to bring ill…tidings and seldom good；〃 said
he。 〃This occasion is the more welcome。 It is not leprosy。〃
〃A well…marked case of pseudo…leprosy or ichthyosis； a scale…like
affection of the skin； unsightly； obstinate； but possibly curable； and
certainly noninfective。 Yes； Mr。 Holmes； the coincidence is a
remarkable one。 But is it coincidence？ Are there not subtle forces
at work of which we know little？ Are we assured that the
apprehension from which this young man has no doubt suffered
terribly since his exposure to its contagion may not produce a
physical effect which simulates that which it fears？ At any rate； I
pledge my professional reputation… But the lady has fainted！ I think
that Mr。 Kent had better be with her until she recovers from this
joyous shock。〃
…THE END…
。