obvious that my companion's mind was now made up case, although what his conclusions were was more than even dimly imagine during our homeward journey I endeavoured to sound him point, but he always glided away to some other topic, until at last it over in despair not yet three when ourselves rooms once more He hurried chamber and was down again dressed as common loafer collar turned up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, worn boots, perfect sample class

" should do," said he, glancing glass above the fireplace "I only wish that come with me, Watson, but won't do trail , or following will-o'-the-wisp, but soon know which back in few hours " He cut slice of beef joint sideboard, sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition

I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot hand He chucked it down into corner and helped himself to cup of tea

"I only looked in as I passed," said he " going right on "

"Where to ? "

"Oh, other side West End It before I get back Don't wait up late "

"How getting on ? "

"Oh, so so Nothing to complain of out to Streatham since you last, but call house very sweet little problem, and have missed it for However, not sit gossiping here, but must get these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly respectable self "

I by his manner that he had stronger reasons for satisfaction than his words alone would imply His eyes twinkled, and even touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks He hastened upstairs, and later I heard the slam hall door, which told me that off once more upon his congenial hunt

I waited until midnight, but no sign return, so I retired to my room no uncommon thing for him away for days and nights on end when hot upon scent, his lateness caused me no surprise know at what hour in, but when down to breakfast morning there with cup of coffee in one hand paper other, as fresh and trim as possible

" excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but you remember client has rather an early appointment "

"Why, after nine now," I answered "I surprised were he I heard ring "

, indeed, our friend the financier shocked change which had come over him, face naturally of broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, while his hair seemed shade whiter He entered with weariness and lethargy even more painful than his violence morning before, and he dropped heavily armchair which I pushed forward for him

" know what so severely tried," said he "Only two happy and prosperous man, without care Now left to lonely and dishonoured age One sorrow comes close heels of another My niece, Mary, has deserted me "

"Deserted you ? "

"Yes Her bed slept in, her room was empty, and note lay hall table I had said to her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had married my boy all well Perhaps thoughtless of me so remark that she refers note:

"'My Dearest Uncle:-- that brought trouble upon you, if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune might never have occurred , thought in my mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and that leave you forever worry future, is provided for; and, above all, search , for fruitless labour and an ill-service In life or in death, ever your loving MARY '

"What could she mean note, Mr Holmes ? it points to suicide ? "

"No, no, nothing kind perhaps the best possible solution I trust, Mr Holder, that nearing the end of your troubles "

"Ha ! You say so ! heard something, Mr Holmes; learned something ! Where are the gems ? "

" think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum ? "

" pay ten "

" unnecessary Three thousand will cover the matter And little reward, I fancy your check-book ? pen Better make it out for 4000 pounds "

With dazed face the banker made out the required check Holmes walked over desk, took out little triangular piece of gold with three gems , and threw it down table

With shriek of joy our client clutched it up

" it ! " he gasped " saved ! saved ! "

The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief , and he hugged his recovered gems bosom

" one other thing you owe, Mr Holder," said Sherlock Holmes rather sternly

"Owe ! " He caught up pen "Name the sum, pay it "

"No, the debt You owe very humble apology noble lad, your son, who has carried himself as proud my own son do, should I ever chance one "

"Then not Arthur who took them ? "

" you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, not "

" of it ! Then hurry to him at once to let him know truth is known "

" it already When I had cleared it all up I had an interview , and finding that tell me the story, it to him, he had to confess that right and to add the very few details which yet quite clear Your news of , however, may open his lips "

"For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what extraordinary mystery ! "

" , show you the steps I reached it And let me say , first, that which hardest and to hear: an understanding between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary now fled together "

"My Mary ? Impossible ! "

" unfortunately more than possible; certain Neither you nor your son knew the true character man admitted him into your family circle dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely desperate villain, man without heart or conscience Your niece knew nothing men When he breathed his vows to her, as he had done to hundred before her, she flattered herself that she alone had touched his heart The devil knows best what , but she became his tool and was habit of seeing him nearly every evening "

" , and , believe it ! " cried the banker with an ashen face