The Sergeant of Marines, Said Sherlock Holmes

The man whom we were watching caught sight of the number on our door, and ran rapidly across the roadway. We heard a loud knock, a deep voice below and heavy steps ascending the stair for mister sherlock holmes. You mean the retired sergeant of marines, said sherlock Holmes. Brag an bounce, thought i to myself. He knows that i cannot verify his guess. But here was an opportunity of taking the conceit out of him. And he little thought of this when he made that random shotmay i ask my lad i said in the blandest voice, what your trade may be? Commissionaire, sir, uniform, away for repairs. Royal marine light infant