"What, then, suppose ? "

"That only two glasses were used, and dregs of both were poured into third glass, so as the false impression that three people here way all the beeswing last glass, would it not ? Yes, convinced so But if hit true explanation of small phenomenon, then in an instant the case rises commonplace exceedingly remarkable, can only mean that Lady Brackenstall and her maid have deliberately lied , that not one word story believed, that some very strong reason for covering the real criminal, construct our case for ourselves without any help mission which now lies , and here, Watson, Sydenham train "

The household Abbey Grange were much surprised at our return, but Sherlock Holmes, finding that Stanley Hopkins had gone off to report to headquarters, took possession dining-room, locked the door inside, and devoted himself for two hours to one minute and laborious investigations which form the solid basis his brilliant edifices of deduction were reared Seated in corner like an interested student who observes the demonstration professor, I followed every step remarkable research The window, the curtains, the carpet, the chair, the ropeeach in turn was minutely examined and duly pondered The body unfortunate baronet removed, and all else remained had seen it morning Finally, to my astonishment, Holmes climbed up on massive mantelpiece Far above his head hung the few inches of red cord which were still attached wire he gazed upward at it, and then in an attempt nearer he rested his knee upon wooden bracket wall This brought his hand within few inches broken end rope, but not this bracket itself which seemed to engage his attention Finally, he sprang down with an ejaculation of satisfaction

"It's all right, Watson," said he " got our caseone most remarkable collection But, dear me, how slowwitted , and how nearly committed the blunder lifetime ! Now, that, with few missing links, my chain is almost complete "

" got your men ? "

"Man, Watson, man , but very formidable person Strong as lionwitness the blow that bent that poker ! Six foot three in height, active as squirrel, dexterous fingers, finally, remarkably quick-witted, whole ingenious story is concoction Yes, Watson, come handiwork of very remarkable individual And yet, bell-rope, he us clue which have left us doubt "

"Where clue ? "

"Well, were to pull down bell-rope, Watson, where would you expect it to break ? Surely spot where attached wire Why should it break three inches top, as ? "

"Because frayed there ? "

"Exactly This end, which examine, is frayed cunning enough to knife But the other end frayed observe that from here, but were mantelpiece see cut clean off without any mark of fraying whatever reconstruct what occurred The man needed the rope tear it down for fear of giving the alarm by ringing the bell What did he do ? He sprang up mantelpiece, quite reach it, put his knee bracketyou will see the impression dust and so got his knife to bear cord reach the place by three inchesfrom which I infer that three inches bigger man than I Look mark seat oaken chair ! it ? "

"Blood "

"Undoubtedly blood This alone puts the lady's story out of court If she were seated chair crime , how comes that mark ? No, no, she was placed chair death of her husband I'll wager black dress shows corresponding mark met our Waterloo, Watson, but our Marengo, begins in defeat and ends in victory like now few words nurse, Theresa wary for while, the information which "

She was an interesting person, this stern Australian nurse taciturn, suspicious, ungracious, it took before Holmes's pleasant manner and frank acceptance of all that she said thawed her into corresponding amiability She attempt to conceal her hatred for her late employer

"Yes, sir, true that he threw the decanter at me I heard him call my mistress name, and him that dare so if her brother there Then it he threw it at me thrown dozen if he had but left my bonny bird alone forever ill-treating her, and she too proud to complain She will not even tell me all that he to her She never told me marks on her arm that you saw , but that from stab with hatpin The sly devilGod forgive me that speak of him so, now that dead ! But devil , if ever one walked the earth all honey when first we met himonly eighteen , and we both feel it were eighteen years She had only just arrived in London Yes, her first voyageshe had never been from home before He won her title money false London ways If she made mistake she has paid , if ever woman did What month did we meet him ? Well, I tell you just after we arrived We arrived in June, and July They were married in January of last year Yes, down morning-room again, and she will see you, but not ask of her, for she has gone through all that flesh and blood will stand "

Lady Brackenstall was reclining same couch, but looked brighter than before The maid had entered , and began once more to foment the bruise upon her mistress's brow

" ," said the lady, "that come to cross-examine me again ? "

"No," Holmes answered, gentlest voice, " cause you any unnecessary trouble, Lady Brackenstall, and my whole desire is things easy , for convinced that much-tried woman treat me as friend and trust me, find that justify your trust "

"What me ? "

" me the truth "

" Mr Holmes ! "

"No, no, Lady Brackenstallit is no use heard of any little reputation which I possess stake it all fact that your story is an absolute fabrication "

Mistress and maid were both staring at Holmes with pale faces and frightened eyes " an impudent fellow ! " cried Theresa " that my mistress has told lie ? "

Holmes rose chair " nothing me ? "

" told you everything "

"Think once more, Lady Brackenstall Would it not be better frank ? "

For an instant hesitation in her beautiful face Then some new strong thought caused it to set like mask " told you all "