two o’clock
Returning to France , I spent some months in a research into the coal-tar derivatives , which I conducted in a laboratory at Montpellier , in the south of France . Having concluded this to my satisfaction and learning that only one of my enemies was now left in London , I was about to return when my movements were hastened by the news of this very remarkable Park Lane Mystery , which not only appealed to me by its own merits , but which seemed to offer some most peculiar personal opportunities . I came over at once to London , called in my own person at Baker Street , threw Mrs. Hudson into violent hysterics , and found that Mycroft had preserved my rooms and my papers exactly as they had always been . So it was , my dear Watson , that at two o'clock to-day I found myself in my old armchair in my own old room , and only wishing that I could have seen my old friend Watson in the other chair which he has so often adorned . '' Such was the remarkable narrative to which I listened on that April evening -- a narrative which would have been utterly incredible to me had it not been confirmed by the actual sight of the tall , spare figure and the keen , eager face , which I had never thought to see again . In some manner he had learned of my own sad bereavement , and his sympathy was shown in his manner rather than in his words . `` Work is the best antidote to sorrow , my dear Watson , '' said he ; `` and I have a piece of work for us both to-night which , if we can bring it to a successful conclusion , will in itself justify a man 's life on this planet . ''