If you cast your mind back to some of those narratives with which you have afflicted a long-suffering public, you will recognize how often the grotesque has deepened into the criminal.
Think of that little affair of the red-headed men.
That was grotesque enough in the outset, and yet it ended in a desperate attempt at robbery.
Or, again, there was that most grotesque affair of the five orange pips, which let straight to a murderous conspiracy.
The word puts me on the alert."
"Have you it there?" I asked.
He read the telegram aloud.
"Have just had most incredible and grotesque experience. May I consult you?
"Scott Eccles,
"Post Office, Charing Cross."